A Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel
by unknown · English · Gutenberg #49434 · 649,142 chars · public domain (US)
The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States,
you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located
before using this eBook.
Title: A Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel
Compiler: F. D. Richards
James A. Little
Release date: July 13, 2015 [eBook #49434]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49434
Credits: Produced by Katie Liston, Mormon Texts Project Intern
(http://mormontextsproject.org/)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A COMPENDIUM OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL ***
A COMPENDIUM OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS,
One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, and
ELDER JAMES A. LITTLE,
COMPILERS AND PUBLISHERS.
Second Stereotype Edition.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH:
1884
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by JAMES A.
LITTLE AND FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS, In the office of the Librarian of
Congress at Washington, D.C.
PREFACE.
We consider the Bible, Book of Mormon, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
Pearl of Great Price and sayings of Joseph, the Seer, our guides in
faith and doctrine. The first four have been adopted as such by a vote
of the Saints in General Conference. Reference to other writings are
only for illustration of the subject.
We have sought to furnish the best available material for the use of
the Elders. It is for them to seek for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to
enable them to use it with discretion.
On most of the subjects treated, only a portion of the passages that
refer to them have been cited, but we have endeavored to use the best.
We designed to make the Compendium sufficiently elaborate to give it a
wide range of usefulness, and, at the same time, not make it so large
as to be burdensome to the Elders who travel and preach the Gospel.
Practically, we have aimed to get up a book that would contain a great
amount of information for its bulk.
The arguments on each subject are so plain and direct, that, we trust,
they may be made available by the most inexperienced Elders. At the
same time, the references and citations are considered sufficient
for the more advanced student to acquire a thorough knowledge of the
subjects treated on.
The references in small type are not designed to be verbatim, but
only to embody, as near as may be, the leading idea of the passage
referred lo. They should be studied before being used. The passages
included within the usual quotation marks, thus, " ", are designed to
be correctly quoted, and may be used without referring to the original.
We are indebted to Elder George Reynolds for the carefully prepared
Chronology of the Book of Mormon. It is evidently the result of much
study and thought, and as such is entitled to credence.
While we have aimed at accuracy, we should be pleased to have our
friends inform us of any material error they may discover.
We expect our labors will elicit some criticism, but we trust the
thoughtful and experienced will allow much for the complicated
character of the work.
THE COMPILERS.
INDEX.
Articles of Faith
Atonement, The
Apostacy of the Primitive Church
Angels
Angel of the Lord
Angels, Ministering
Angels, Fallen
Apostles--The First Presidency and Twelve
Apostles, The Twelve
Baptism, Necessity of
Baptism, Mode of
Baptism, Object of
Baptism for the Dead
Book of Mormon--Evidences of its Divine Authenticity
Book of Mormon Chronology
Christ's Second Coming
Christ's Church, Name of
Consecration, Stewardship, United Order
Church Chronology
Dispensation of the Fulness of Times
Destruction of the Wicked
Evangelists, or Patriarchs
Fall of Adam, The
Free Agency of Man
Faith Faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
Faith in the Holy Priesthood, Necessity of
Faith in Continual Revelation
Foreordination--Election
Gathering of Israel
Gods, Plurality of
God a Personage
God, The True and Living
Gems from History of Joseph Smith
Israel a chosen people
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Bible Prophecies
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Book of Mormon Prophecies
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of His Own Prophecies
Jerusalem of the Eastern Hemisphere, The
Jerusalem, New
Laying on of Hands for Ordination
Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Laying on of Hands for Healing the Sick
Latter-day Saints' Emigration
Marriage--A Divine Institution, and designed to be Eternal
Marriage--Plurality of Wives
Marriage--Concubines
Millennial Reign
Miracles
Ordinances, Covenants, etc., Eternal
Priesthood, The Holy
Priesthood, Aaronic
Priesthood, Patriarchal
Pre-existence of Spirits
Passover, or Sacrament
Repentance
Remission of Sins
Resurrection, The
Resurrection at Christ's Resurrection
Resurrection at the Second Coming of Christ
Resurrection at the End of the World
Resurrection of the Body that is Laid Down
Records of the Jaredites
Records mentioned in the Bible and not in it
Records of the Nephites
Scattering of Israel, The
Spirit of God, or Holy Ghost
Spiritual Gifts
Signs and Tokens
Sabbath Day, The
Spirits in prison
Tithing
Temples and Sacred Places
The Book of Mormon
Visions and Dreams
A COMPENDIUM OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ,
and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for
Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be
saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that these ordinances are: First, Faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the
remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy
Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by
the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority, to preach the
Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive
church, viz: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions,
healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is
translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word
of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal,
and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the
restoration of the ten tribes. That Zion will be built upon this
continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that
the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisic glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the
dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let
them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and
magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous,
and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the
admonition of Paul, "We believe all things, we hope all things;" we
have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If
there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy,
we seek after these things.--JOSEPH SMITH.
THE FALL OF ADAM.
"Honor thy Father and thy Mother." This was one of the ten special
commandments given to Israel, during a grand display of God's power and
glory on Mount Sinai.
In the past centuries of darkness it appears to have lost its
significance with the Christian world. They do not appear to realize
that honor is due to the first parents of the human race. They have
been long taught that Adam and Eve were great transgressors, and have
mourned over the fact that they partook of the forbidden fruit and
brought death into the world.
There is no possibility that the fall of man was an accident or chance,
any more than was his creation. If an accident, then why was Christ
prepared from before the foundation of the world as a propitiation for
sin, and to open up the way for man to immortality?
Christ's mediation was a sequence of the fall. "Him hath God exalted
with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance
to Israel, and forgiveness of sins;" Acts 5. 31. Without the fall
there would have been no broken law, and therefore nothing to repent
of; and there could be no forgiveness of sin without the atonement of
Christ.
The Book of Mormon makes this subject very plain: "And now, behold,
if Adam had not transgressed, he would not have fallen; but he would
have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created,
must have remained in the same state which they were, after they were
created; and they must have remained for ever, and had no end. And they
would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a
state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no
good, for they knew no sin;" 2 Nephi 2. 22, 23.
It is evident, not only from this passage, but from all that is
recorded on this subject, that, if Adam and Eve had not attained to a
knowledge of evil, by partaking of the forbidden fruit, the human race
could not have existed under present conditions. It is also evident,
that without a knowledge of both good and evil, man would be incapable
of exercising a free agency, and therefore not capable of independent,
self-reliant action--a necessary condition for development and progress.
We, the children of Adam, have no right to bring accusations against
the Patriarch of the race. But father, we should rejoice with them,
that through their fall and the atonement of Jesus Christ, the way
of eternal life has been opened up to us. It was after an angel had
administered to Adam, and made known to him the atonement through the
Only Begotten Son of the Father, that he and Eve gave expression to
their joy, in view of the glorious future of the race.
"And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy
concerning all the families of the earth, saying, Blessed be the name
of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this
life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God. And Eve,
his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying, Were it not for
our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have
known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal
life which God giveth unto all the obedient;" Pearl of Great Price,
page 10.
The principle of obedience could only be developed in man through the
fall, and only through that can they realize the joys of redemption
and eternal life. The woman fell first, and led Adam out of Eden and
the presence of the Lord. "Adam was not deceived, but the woman being
deceived was in transgression;" 1 _Tim_. 2. 14.
When the Lord asked Adam if he had eaten of the fruit of the tree, of
which he had commanded him that he should not eat, he replied, "The
woman whom thou gavest _to be_ with me, she gave me of the tree, and
I did eat;" _Gen_. iii, 12. Adam had been previously commanded to
multiply and replenish the earth, and he could not do so unless he
remained with Eve. She, being deceived, forced upon him the necessity
of partaking of the forbidden fruit with her, or of remaining in a
condition where it would have been impossible to fulfil the first great
commandment of the Father.
Bible.
_Gen_. 3. gives a general account of the fall of man.
15 enmity between the seed of the woman and that of the serpent.
16 woman to bring forth children in sorrow, and be subject to her
husband.
19 man to labor for his bread, and to return to the ground.
22 man became as the Gods, knowing good and evil.
_Rom_. 5. 12 by one man sin came into the world and death by sin.
Book of Mormon.
_Alma_ 12. 22, 23 by the fall all mankind became lost.
_Chap_. 42 explains the plan for the exaltation of man through the fall
of Adam, and the atonement of Jesus Christ.
_Mormon_ 9. 12 by Adam came the fall of man, because of the fall came
Jesus Christ and the redemption.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 29. 36 Adam being tempted of the devil, for the devil was before
Adam.
40 Adam partook of the forbidden fruit, and became subject to the devil.
41 through the fall Adam became spiritually dead.
Pearl of Great Price.
Pages 7, 8. a general account of the fall of man.
_See our Article on Atonement, and also an examination and elucidation
of the mediation and atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: by
Prest. John Taylor_.
_Article, by O. Pratt, Mil. Star. Vol. 28. pages 577, 593 and 609_.
_Article by C. W. Penrose, Mil. Star, Vol. 29, page 645. Sermon by O.
Pratt, Journal of Discourses Vol. I, page 328_.
FREE AGENCY OF MAN.
The doctrine of free agency is plainly elucidated in the written
revelations from God. The plan for man's redemption was predicated on
his fall.
No law could have been given to our first parents, and no penalty
affixed for the breaking of a law, unless they had been free to act
without constraint. The liberty to choose was given by the Creator to
the progenitors of the race, and that liberty has been fully recognized
in all his dealings with their posterity.
As the Patriarch of the race entailed on it an experimental knowledge
of good and evil, through sufferings and death, so, through the
sufferings and death of the Only Begotten Son, they are redeemed from
the effects of his transgression, independent of any act of theirs.
Man was created in the image of God, with the possibility of becoming
like him. But he cannot attain to that position without a knowledge of
good and evil. Through the act of the Father he has attained to that
knowledge; through the act of the Son he is delivered from the effects
of original transgression.
Thus, with the privilege of exercising his free agency, he is placed on
an equality with the parents of the race, and has the choice of good or
evil for himself, with the results of that choice. If he chooses evil,
a second death will be the result. If the good, it will prove to be the
way to all the powers, glories and exaltations that the Gods enjoy, in
whose image man is created.
The Book of Mormon is very plain on this subject: "Wherefore, men are
free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are
expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal
life, through the great mediation of all men, or to choose captivity
and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil;" 2 _Nephi_
2. 27.
Bible.
_Gen_. 2. 17 in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
3, 6 Eve eat of the fruit of the tree and gave to her husband and he
did eat. 12, 17.
4. 7 if thou doest well thou shalt be accepted.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 6. 4 that I may persuade men to come to God.
2 _Nephi_ 2. 16 Lord gave unto man that he should act for himself.
10. 23 ye are free to act for yourselves.
_Mos_. 2, 33 if he listeth to obey him, the same drinketh damnation.
_Alma_ 3. 26 reap eternal happiness or misery, according to the spirit
they obey.
12. 31 in a state to act according to their will.
13. 3 being left to choose good or evil.
29. 4, 5 he allotteth to man according to their wills.
30. 9 a man's privilege to believe in God or not.
41. 3, 4 evil or good is restored to men, as they have chosen.
_Hel_. 14. 30 ye are permitted to act for yourselves.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 10. 66 may come and partake of the waters of life freely.
29. 35 Adam to be an agent to himself. 36.
39 men must needs be tempted, or they could not be agents to
themselves. _Sec_. 58. 27, 28.
98. 8 I, the Lord, make you free.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 7. thou mayest choose for thyself. Satan sought to destroy the
agency of man.
16. given to men to know good and evil; they are agents to themselves.
17. many have believed and become sons of God; many have not believed
and perished.
_See a sermon by B, Young, J. of D., Vol. I., page I_.
_Sermon by B. Young, J. of D., Vol. 3, page 80_.
,, _by O. Pratt, J. of D. Vol. I, page 328_.
,, _by D. H. Wells, J. of D. Vol. 9, page 259_.
THE ATONEMENT.
The word atonement signifies deliverance, through the offering of a
ransom, from the penalty of a broken law. The sense is expressed in
_Job_ 33. 24: "Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a
ransom."
As effected by Jesus Christ, it signifies the deliverance, through
his death and resurrection, of the earth and everything pertaining
to it, from the power which death has obtained over them through the
transgression of Adam.
The following passage is very comprehensive on the atonement of Christ:
"And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed
and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth, for all
old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the
heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts,
the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; and not one hair,
neither mote, shall be lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand;"
_Doc. & Cov_. 29. 23-25. In the revelations of St. John we read, "And
he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new;" 21. 5.
The righteous could not inherit all things in their immortal, exalted
condition, if all things were not resurrected to immortality as well as
themselves.
The Apostle Paul quite comprehensively sums up the results of Christ's
death and resurrection: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and
become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man _came_
death, by man _came_ also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam
all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive;" I _Cor_. 15. 21,
22. That is, death having come on all men through the disobedience of
Adam, so must all be raised to immortality and eternal life through the
death and resurrection of Christ.
Paul also asserted that "the last enemy _that_ shall be destroyed _is_
death;" _Verse_ 26. John the Revelator declares that he saw death and
hell cast into the lake of fire; _Rev_. 20. 14.
The atonement, as wrought out by Jesus Christ, further signifies that
he has opened up the way for man's redemption from his own sins,
through faith in Christ's sufferings, death and resurrection. The
Apostle Paul well expresses this, "For all have sinned, and come short
of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth _to be_ a
propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness
for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of
God; to declare, _I say_, at this time his righteousness: that he might
be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus;" _Rom_. 3.
23-26.
These passages evidence that redemption from death, through the
sufferings of Christ, is for all men, both the righteous and the
wicked; for this earth, and for all things created upon it. The
whole tenor of the Scriptures assure us, that while they may be sure
of resurrection from death, regardless of their personal acts, yet
they will be rewarded for their works, whether they be good or evil,
and that redemption from personal sins can only be obtained through
obedience to the requirements of the Gospel, and a life of good works.
The transgression of Adam being infinite in its consequences, those
consequences cannot be averted, except through an infinite atonement.
The Prophet Nephi makes this very plain: "Wherefore it must needs be
an infinite atonement; save it should be an infinite atonement, this
corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment
which came upon man, must needs have remained to an endless duration.
And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to
its mother earth, to rise no more. O the wisdom of God! his mercy and
grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more, our spirits must
become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the
eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.
O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape
from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and
hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the
spirit;" 2. _Nephi_ 7, 8, 10. "There is one thing, however, which the
atonement does for us, immediately upon our entrance into this mortal
life; it sets us free from the first spiritual death."
"As in Adam all died spiritually, even so in Christ all, in their
infancy, are made alive spiritually. Christ, by the atonement, became
the life and the light of men; he is the true light by which all are
lighted who come into the world. Without this light all would have
suffered in the eternal night of darkness, from which there would
have been no return. But little children, by the atonement, are made
alive, and are all subjects of salvation, being redeemed by the blood
of Christ from the fall, being pure, and spotless, and innocent, and
thus are made heirs of the kingdom of heaven. This redemption from the
spiritual death upon all mankind in their infant state, is brought
about without any conditions on the part of the creature; it is wrought
out by the free grace of Christ alone, without works;" _O. Pratt_.
"I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation
of the world through mine Only Begotten: wherefore, they cannot sin,
for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they
begin to become accountable before me;" _Doc. & Cov_. 29. 46, 47.
"Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook
the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became
subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation.
Wherefore I the Lord God caused that he should be cast out from the
Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein
he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even that same
death, which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be
pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say--Depart, ye cursed. But,
behold, I say unto you, that I the Lord God gave unto Adam and unto his
seed that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I the
Lord God should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and
redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son. And
thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation
that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto
eternal life, even as many as would believe; and they that believe
not unto eternal damnation, for they cannot be redeemed from their
spiritual fall, because they repent not; for they will love darkness
rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their
wages of whom they list to obey;" _Doc. & Cov_. 29. 40-45.
Bible.
_Isa_. 45. 22 look unto me and be ye saved.
53. 10 when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin.
63. 9 he, redeemed them and carried them all the days of old.
_Matt_. 1. 21 Jesus shall save his people from their sins.
18. 11 the Son of Man hath come to save that which was lost.
_John_ 1. 29 the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.
3. 14, 15 even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. 16.
4. 42 this is Christ the Savior of the world.
12. 32 if I be lifted up I will draw all men to me.
_Acts_ 5. 31 him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Savior.
_Chap_. 13. 23.
_Rom_. 3. 24 being justified through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus.
25 whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation. 26
5. 6 in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8-11.
15 if through the offence of one many be dead, the gift of grace by one
man, Christ Jesus, hath abounded to many. 18.
6. 23 the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
8. 32 spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all.
11. 26 there shall come out of Zion a deliverer.
1 _Cor_. 1. 30 Christ Jesus who is made to us sanctification and
redemption.
5. 7 for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
2 _Cor_. 5. 18 who hath reconciled us to himself, by Jesus Christ.
_Gal_. 3. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law.
4. 4, 5 God sent his Son to redeem them that were under the law. 7.
_Eph_. 1. 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood. _Col_. 1. 14.
5. 2 as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us.
1 _Tim_. 1. 15 faithful saying, that Christ came into the world to save
sinners.
2. 5 one God, one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.
4. 10 we trust in the living God who is the Savior of all men.
_Titus_ 2. 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us.
_Heb_. 5. 9 being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation.
7. 25 able to save them that come to God by him.
9. 26, 28 so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of the world.
1 _Peter_ 1. 19 with the blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish.
3. 18 Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust.
1 _John_ 1. 7 the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.
2. 2 he is the propitiation for the sins of the world.
4. 9 God sent his son into the world that we might live through him. 14.
_Rev_. 5. 9 and hath redeemed us by his blood, out of every nation.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 11. 27 I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world 33.
12. 11 made white in the blood of the Lamb.
15. 14 the very points of his doctrine, that they may come to him and
be saved.
2 _Nephi_ 1. 10 if the day come, they reject the Messiah. 15.
2. 3 thou art redeemed, for thou hast beheld, that, in the fulness of
time he cometh to bring salvation to men.
9. 21, 22 he suffereth the pains of all men.
25, 26 the atonement satisfies the demands of justice, on those without
law.
10. 25 may God raise you from everlasting death by the power of the
atonement.
26. 24 layeth down his own life, that he may draw all men to him.
31. 21 no other name given whereby men can be saved.
_Jacob_ 4. 15-17 Jews will reject the only foundation on which they can
build.
_Omni_ 1. 26 come to Christ and partake of the power of his redemption.
_Mos_. 4. 6-9 the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation
of the world for all who have been, or will be.
27. 25 becoming his sons and daughters. 30.
_Alma_ 7. 12 take upon him death that he may loose the bands of death.
11. 39, 40 the eternal Father shall come into the world to redeem his
people.
34. 11-16 the law of Moses fulfilled in the infinite atonement of
Christ.
39. 18 as necessary that the plan of salvation should be made known to
this people, as to their children?
_Hel_. 5. 9-12 will not redeem his people in their sins, but from their
sins.
3 _Nephi_ 12. 17 in Christ is the law of Moses fulfilled. 21, 22.
_Ether_ 3. 14 was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem
my people.
12. 33 to the laying down of thy life, that thou mightest take it again.
_Moroni_ 8 he that says little children need baptism setteth at naught
the atonement of Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 18. 11 Lord suffered the pain of all men that they might come to
him.
23. 25 Jesus Christ, the only name given under heaven whereby men can
be saved.
19. 16 I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not
suffer.
20. 26, 27 not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of
time.
29. 42 Lord gave to Adam and his seed that they should not die until
the plan of redemption was declared to them.
46 little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world.
_Sec_. 74. 6, 7. _Sec_. 93. 38.
76. 41-44 Jesus was crucified that all might be saved, except the sons
of Perdition.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 1. My Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior.
3. For this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality
and eternal life of man.
9. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son,
and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son evermore.
16. Jesus Christ the only name given whereby salvation shall come.
17. Plan of salvation to all men through the blood of mine Only
Begotten.
_See An examination and elucidation of the mediation and atonement of
Jesus Christ; by Prest. J. Taylor_.
_Articles on the fall and atonement, by O. Pratt, Mil. Star, Vol. 28,
pages 577, 593 and 609_.
_Sermon by O. Pratt, J. of D., Vol. 1, page 280_.
_" " " " 2, Page 328_.
_" " " " 2, page 368_.
_" B. Young, J. of D. Vol. 3, page 80_.
_Article by W. Woodruff, Mil. Star, Vol. 6, page 113_.
_Article by C. W. Penrose, Contributor, Vol. 2, page 362_.
FAITH.
"Faith is the first principle of revealed religion and the foundation
of all righteousness." "Now faith is the substance (assurance) of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen;" _Heb_. 11. 1, _Doc.
and Cov., Lecture on Faith_, 1. 1-8. That to use the word assurance,
instead of substance, would be the proper rendering of the above
passage, is evident from the 22d verse of the previous chapter: "Let us
draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith."
Faith begets trust and confidence. "In whom we have boldness and access
with _confidence_ by the faith of him;" (Jesus Christ.) _Eph_. 3.
12. Faith is the gift of God. "Saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: _it is_ the gift of God;" 2. 8. "To another faith by the
same Spirit;" 1 _Cor_. 12. 9. "But to think soberly, according as God
hath dealt to every man the measure of faith;" _Rom_. 12. 3. _Moroni_
10. 11.
Through repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands man may receive
the Holy Ghost. It will open his spiritual vision and he will begin to
comprehend himself, the object of his creation, and his affinity to
his Heavenly Father. Then through the further observance of all the
ordinances of the Gospel, will the righteousness of God be revealed to
him, from faith to faith, until by keeping the commandments and seeking
after knowledge through the inspirations of the Holy Ghost, in time, he
will reach that assurance of faith which is unto eternal life.
The _Lectures on Faith_, by Joseph Smith, Jun., in _Doc. and Cov_.,
may justly be considered the most elaborate treatise on the subject
in the sacred writings. They are written in such simplicity, that
they can be easily understood by all who will honestly study them,
to obtain a knowledge of the nature of faith. Their fulness, their
comprehensiveness, is one of the many evidences of the Divine
inspiration of the Prophet Joseph.
The first lecture shows that faith is an assurance that men have of the
existence of things that they have not seen, and that it is an element
of power. "It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through
which he exercises power over all temporal as well as eternal things."
The second lecture informs us how faith, in the beginning was based
on a knowledge of God and his attributes, and that faith in God has
existed in man in proportion to that knowledge.
The third lecture teaches us that to exercise faith in God, man must
have an idea that he exists, and also of his character and attributes.
He must, as well, feel an assurance that he is living in accordance
with the will of God. Consequently, those who fail to obtain this
knowledge by living in the spirit and power of the Gospel, cannot
exercise a true and understanding faith in God, no matter what their
pretentions.
Lecture fourth treats of the connection between correct ideas of God's
attributes, of his Knowledge, Faith or Power, Justice, Judgment, Mercy
and Truth; and the exercise of faith unto salvation, in a rational
being.
The fifth lecture shows the necessity of faith in God the Father, and
in his Son Jesus Christ.
Lecture sixth evidences the necessity of men knowing that their course
of life is in accordance with the will of God, in order to exercise
faith in him unto salvation. "It was this that enabled the ancient
Saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take
joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely)
that they had a more enduring substance. _Heb_. 10. 34.
The seventh lecture treats of the effects of faith. That working
by faith is working by mental exertion instead of physical force;
illustrating the fact by numerous examples. It also elucidates the
principle that the mental powers are far superior to the physical
forces of nature, and that through them the power of faith is
manifested.
FAITH IN GOD THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST.
Bible.
_Gen_. 15. 6 Abraham believed in God and he counted it to him for
righteousness. _Rom_. 4. 3; _Gal_. 3. 6.
_Exod_. 4. 5 that they may believe that the God of their fathers hath
appeared unto thee.
_Num_. 20. 12 ye believed me not; ye shall not bring this congregation
into the land.
_Psalm_ 119. 66 teach me judgment and knowledge, for I have believed
thy commandments.
_Prov_. 16. 20 whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
_Jonah_ 3. 5 so the people of Nineveh believed God.
_John_ 1. 12 to as many as believed on him he gave power to become the
sons of God.
3. 15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.
4. 42 know that this is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
5. 24 he that believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life.
8. 24 if ye believe not I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 31.
11. 25 he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
26, 27, 40-48.
13. 19 when it comes to pass ye may believe I am he. _Chap_. 14. 29.
14. 1 ye believe in God believe also in me. _Chap_. 10. 11.
16. 9 of sin because they believe not on me. 27, 30, 31.
17. 8 they have believed thou didst send me.
20. 29 blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed. 31.
_Acts_ 8. 29 the Spirit said to Philip, go near and join thyself to him.
37 eunuch answered, I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
10. 43 all the prophets witness that whosoever believe in him shall
receive remission of sins.
13. 39 by him all that believe are justified from all things, &c.
14. 23 they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed.
16. 31 believe on Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
19. 4 should believe on him who should come after him.
20. 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks faith towards Jesus Christ.
27. 25 Paul said, I believe God; that it shall be as was told me.
_Rom_. 1. 16 Gospel of Christ the power of God unto salvation.
17 therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.
The just shall live by faith.
3. 26 the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. _Chap_. 4, 5.
4. 24 if we believe in him that raised Jesus from the dead.
6. 8 if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall live with him.
8. 26, 27 the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, according to
the will of God.
9. 33 a rock of offence, they that believe on him shall not be ashamed.
_Chap_. 10. 4, 11.
10. 9 believe God has raised Christ from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
14 how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
2 _Cor_. 1. 9 not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead.
_Gal_. 2. 20 I live by the faith of the Son of God, who gave himself
for me.
_Col_. 1. 4 faith in Christ and love for all the Saints.
1 _Tim_. 1. 16 for a pattern for those who should hereafter believe on
him.
3. 16 God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, believed on
in the world, received up into glory.
4. 10 who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
_Titus_ 3. 8 they who believe in God might maintain good works.
_Heb_. 3. 18 they that believe not should not enter into his rest.
_James_ 2. 19 thou believest there is one God; devils believe and
tremble.
1 _Peter_ 1. 21 by him believe in God that raised him from the dead, &c.
1 _John_ 4. 16 we have believed the love God hath for us.
5. 10 he that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 6, 17 which power he received by faith on the Son of God.
2 _Nephi_ 11. 6, 7 my soul delighteth in proving to my people, that,
save Christ should come, all men must perish.
25. 25 because of our faith we are made alive in Christ. 26.
26. 8 forward to Christ with steadfastness, they are they who shall not
perish.
31. 19 ye have not come thus far except by unshaken faith in Christ.
32. 5 receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you what ye shall do.
33. 4 my words persuade them to believe in Jesus. 7, 10.
_Jacob_ 3. 1 pray to God with great faith.
7. 3 Sherem, knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ, who should
come.
_Enos_ 1. 8 he said to me, because of thy faith in Christ.
_Jarom_ 1. 11 persuading them to believe in the Messiah to come.
_Mos_. 4. 2 for we believe in Christ who shall come.
8. 18 God has provided means that man through faith might work mighty
miracles.
_Alma_ 5. 15 do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created
you? 48.
13. 10-31 an exhortation to repentance and faith in Christ. _Chap._ 22.
14.
25. 15 they looked forward to the coming of Christ.
27. 27 the Lamanites were firm in the faith of Christ.
44. 3 is done to us because of our religion and faith in Christ.
46. 41 those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him.
48. 13 Moroni was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ.
_Hel_. 3. 35 they grew firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.
5. 9 no way a man can be saved, only through Christ who shall come. 47.
3 _Nephi_ 11. 32 the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and Son. 34,
35, 36.
12. 19 that ye shall believe in me and repent of your sins.
17. 8 I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you. 20.
19. 9 they desired that the Holy Ghost be given unto them.
28 thou hast purified these whom I have chosen because of their faith.
29, 35.
27. 19 none can enter the kingdom unless they wash their garments in
the blood of Christ, by faith. 20.
_Chap_. 28. The three Nephite disciples of Jesus had the faith that
enabled them to receive a change in their bodies, that they might
remain on the earth until his coming.
4 _Nephi_ 1. 48 being constrained by the Holy Ghost, Ammaron hid up the
records.
_Mormon_ 7. 7 Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one God. 10.
_Ether_ 5. 4 the Father, Son and Holy Ghost beareth record. _Chap_. 12.
41.
12. 10 by faith they of old were called after the holy order of God.
_Moroni_ 6. 4 were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy
Ghost. _Chap_. 7. 32.
8. 7-9 the word of the Lord came by the power of the Holy Ghost. 26.
10. 4-7 the truth will be manifested by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 18. 18 ask the Father in faith and you shall receive the Holy
Ghost. 19.
41. 3 by prayer of faith ye shall receive my law.
44. 2 if they exercise faith in me I will pour my Spirit on them.
45. 8 to those that believe on my name, gave I power to obtain eternal
life.
136. 42 Be diligent in keeping all my commandments lest your faith fail
you.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 2. Moses declared to Satan that he would worship only the God of
glory. God blessed Moses for his faith in him.
9. Adam and Eve called on the name of the Lord and offered sacrifice.
Thou shalt call upon God in the name of the Son for evermore.
13. Adam hearkened to the voice of God and glorified his name.
17. many believed and became the sons of God, many believed not and
perished.
21. Enoch asked the Lord that he would have mercy on Noah and his seed,
inasmuch as he was God and he knew him.
24. Noah walked with God, and all his three sons, also.
29. through faith in the Lord, Abraham left Ur to go into the land of
Canaan.
NECESSITY OF FAITH IN THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
In every dispensation in which God has made known his will to man, it
has been done through a living, inspired Priesthood. Passages from the
sacred writings might be multiplied, indefinitely, on this subject. But
this is not necessary, inasmuch as all the sacred records attest the
necessity of an inspired Priesthood, and obedience to it on the part of
the people, if they would understand the will of the Lord concerning
them.
Fifteen centuries of the history of Israel, from the Exodus to the
destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, is a record of adversity
through disobedience to seers and prophets, and of prosperity, the
result of listening to their teachings.
Mankind, with a wide range of religious tenets, are instinctively
imbued with a sentiment of reverence and obedience to those who
minister in the ordinances of religion. After the apostacy of the early
apostolic church, it had a strong hold on the minds of the people
during the supremacy of the Romish church.
We may consider that this doctrine began to lose its hold on the masses
of the people, professing Christianity, after the Reformation and the
splitting up of the Christian world into a great multiplicity of sects.
With the introduction of the Gospel and the Holy Priesthood, through
Joseph Smith, Jun., the necessity of faith in a living Priesthood is
daily being made more apparent to the Latter-day Saints.
Bible.
_Exod_. 4. 1 Moses answered, they will not believe. 8, 9, 30, 31.
14. 31 Israel believed the Lord and his servant Moses.
19. 9 that the people hear when I speak to thee, and believe thee for
ever.
32. 19-34 the golden calf, and the intercession of Moses for the people.
_Num_. 12. 2 hath the Lord, indeed, spoken only by Moses?
_Deut_. 9. 19, 20 the Lord hearkened to me; I prayed for Aaron also.
_Josh_. 1. 5 as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
2 _Chron_. 20. 20 believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
_Amos_ 3. 7 but he revealeth his secrets to his servants the prophets.
_Jonah, Chap_. 3. the Ninevites saved by the preaching of Jonah.
_Matt_. 10. 14, 15 more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for
those who will not hear your words.
40 he that receiveth you receiveth me.
_Luke_ 1. 19 sent to speak to thee, and shew thee these glad tidings.
45.
10. 16 he that heareth you heareth me. 29.
24. 25 O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
spoken.
_John_ 5. 46 had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me.
13. 20 he that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me.
17. 20 but for them, also, which shall believe on me through their word.
1 _Thess_. 2. 13 when ye received from us, ye received it as the word
of God.
_Heb_. 2. 2 for if the word spoken by angels was steadfast?
Book of Mormon.
_Jacob_ 1. 19 taking the responsibility of answering the sins of
the people, if we did not teach them the word of the Lord with all
diligence.
2. 2 responsibility of magnifying my office, to rid my garments of your
sins.
_Mos_. 2. 28 to assemble together, that I might rid my garments of your
blood.
3 _Nephi_ 12. 1, 2 blessed are ye if ye give heed to the words of these
twelve, whom I have chosen.
13. 25 ye are they whom I have chosen to minister to this people.
15. 12 ye are my disciples, and a light to this people.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 1. 4 voice of warning to all people, by the mouth of my
disciples.
8, 9 to them is given power to seal, both on earth and in heaven.
14 they who will not hear prophets and apostles shall be cut off. 17,
30.
2. 1 I will reveal to you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah.
3. 9 thou art Joseph, and wast chosen to do the work of the Lord.
_Sec_. 5. 2, 10, 11-18.
10. 33 Satan thinks to overpower your testimony.
19. 13 keep my commandments which you have received by J. Smith, Jun.
24. 4 if they receive them not, I will curse instead of blessing them.
28. 2 no one to receive revelations for the church but J. Smith, Jun. 3.
7 J. Smith, Jun., has the keys of the revelations which are sealed,
until I shall appoint another in his stead.
29. 4 ye are chosen out of the world to declare my Gospel. 7, 10, 12.
42. 61 J. Smith. Jun., to receive revelation, and know the mysteries.
69.
43. 3-5 none but Joseph Smith, Jun., appointed to receive revelation.
12.
52. 9 saying none other things than those which the prophets and
apostles have written.
58. 45 behold they shall push the people together from the ends of the
earth.
64. 5 the keys of the mysteries shall not be taken from J. Smith, Jun.
65. 2 the keys of the kingdom are committed to man on the earth.
68. 4 whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost
shall be scripture and the power of God unto salvation.
75. 20 and they receive you not, shake off the dust of your feet.
81. 2 to J. Smith, Jun., I have given the keys belonging to the
Presidency.
84. 64 every soul that believes on your words shall receive the Holy
Ghost. 74.
89 whoso receiveth you receiveth me. 90-95. _Sec_. 99. 2-4.
90. 3, 4 the keys of the kingdom never to be taken from J. Smith, Jun.
Through him the oracles to be given to the church. 6, 14-16.
103. 25 whomsoever ye curse I will curse.
35 J. Smith, Jun., to organize the kingdom, and establish the children
of Zion.
110. 16 the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands.
112. 15 the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward,
shall not be taken from him till I come. 16-21, 30-32.
121. 36 the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the
powers of heaven.
124. 58 my servant, Joseph, in thee shall the kingdoms of the earth be
blessed.
128 the Twelve hold the keys of the kingdom upon the four corners of
the earth.
133. 26 the prophets of the north countries shall hear his voice, and
shall no longer stay themselves.
136. 37 ye shall behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my words,
from the days of Adam to Joseph Smith, Jun., whom I called on by my
angels.
Miscellaneous Passages.
_Hab_. 2. 4 the just shall live by faith. _Rom_. 1. 17. _Gal_. 3. 11.
_Heb_. 10. 38.
_Matt_. 6. 30 shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
_Luke_ 12. 28.
8. 10 not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. _Luke_ 7. 9.
17. 20 if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed.
21. 21 if ye have faith, not only do this, but say to this mountain.
_Mark_ 4. 40 how is it that ye have no faith?
_Luke_ 18. 8 when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the
earth?
_Acts_ 15. 9 purifying their hearts by faith.
26. 18 inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith.
_Rom_. 3. 3 shall unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 27.
4. 5 his faith is counted to him for righteousness. 9-16.
10. 17 so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
14. 22 hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. 23.
1 _Cor_. 2. 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men.
16. 13 watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be strong.
2 _Cor_. 4. 13 we having the same spirit of faith.
5. 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
_Gal_. 3. 2 received ye the spirit by works of the law, or by faith?
5-25.
5. 5 we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6, 22.
_Eph_. 6. 16 above all taking the shield of faith. 23.
_Phil_. 3. 9 the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by
faith.
1 _Thess_. 1. 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith.
5. 8 putting on the breastplate of faith and love.
2 _Thess_. 1. 4 we glory for your patience and faith in your
persecutions. 11.
1 _Tim_. 1. 5 of a good conscience and faith unfeigned. 14, 19. _Chap_.
3. 9.
2 _Tim_. 3. 8 men of corrupt minds reprobate concerning the faith. 10.
4. 7 I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
_Titus_ 1. 13 rebuke sharply that they may be sound in the faith.
_Heb_. 4. 2 the word did not profit, not being mixed with faith.
6. 1 not laying again the foundation of repentance and faith.
_Chap_. 11. by faith the worlds were created, the violence of fire
quenched, the armies of the aliens put to flight, kingdoms subdued, &c.
12. 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
_James_ 1. 6 let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
2. 5 hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith.
5. 15 the prayer of faith shall save the sick.
1 _Peter_ 1. 5 kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
7, 9, 21.
5. 9 whom resist steadfast in the faith.
2 _Peter_ 1. 5 add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge.
1 _John_ 5. 4 this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our
faith.
_Jude_ 3. Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints.
_Rev_. 13. 10 here is the patience and faith of the Saints. _Chap_. 14.
12.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 7. 12 the Lord can do all things for men through their faith.
16. 28 the pointers on the ball worked according to their faith. 29.
2 _Nephi_ 1. 10 having power given them to do all things by faith.
27. 23 God works not among the children of men save it be according to
their faith.
_Jacob_ 1. 5 manifest to us by faith, what should happen to our people.
_Enos_ 1. 12-18 through faith Enos obtained a promise that the records
should be preserved to come forth to the Lamanites.
_Mos_. 4. 6 that salvation might come to him who continues in faith to
the end. 21, 30.
_Alma_ 7. 6 look forward for the remission of sins, with an everlasting
faith.
12. 30 plan of salvation made known according to men's faith. 33, 34,
37.
13. 2, 3, 4 men called to the Holy Priesthood according to their faith.
18. 35 the Spirit gives knowledge and power according to faith.
32. 18 I ask, Is this faith? if a man knoweth a thing, he has no cause
to believe. 21, 26, 27.
28-43 faith illustrated by a parable of a seed.
57. 21-27 through faith the young Ammonites were preserved in battle.
_Hel_. 5. 20-52 deliverance of Nephi and Lehi from prison through their
great faith.
6. 1 the Lamanites exceeded the Nephites in righteousness on account of
their great faith.
_Mormon_ 3. 12 it was without faith because of the hardness of their
hearts.
8. 24 he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove
mountains.
_Ether_ 3. This chapter gives an account of great manifestations to the
brother of Jared, on account of his great faith.
12. 4-33 many examples given of the power of faith.
_Moroni_ 7. 21-44 instructions on faith.
8. 3 will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name.
10. 4 if ye ask, having faith, he will manifest the truth to you. 7, 11.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 1. 21 that faith might also increase in the earth.
4. 5 faith, hope, charity, love, &c., qualify him for the work _Sec_.
6. 19, and 12. 8.
8. 10 without faith you can do nothing; ask in faith. 11.
26. 2 all things to be done by common consent, by much prayer and faith.
27. 17 taking the shield of faith, wherewith to quench the fiery darts
of the wicked.
41. 3 by prayer of faith ye shall receive my law.
52. 20 the days have come when according to men's faith it shall be
done unto them.
103. 36 all victory is brought to pass through your diligence and
prayers of faith.
FAITH IN CONTINUAL REVELATION.
Bible.
_Num_. 11. 29 Moses said, would that all the Lord's people were
prophets.
_Prov_. 29. 18 where there is no vision the people perish.
_Mark_ 16. 17 and these signs shall follow them that believe.
_John_ 14. 12 he that believeth on me shall do the works that I do, and
greater.
16. 13 Spirit of truth will teach you all things.
_Acts_ 2. 39 the promise is to as many as the Lord our God shall call.
_Rom_. 1. 17 for therein is the righteousness of God revealed, from
faith to faith.
3. 22 the righteousness of God is unto all, and upon all that believe.
_Eph_. 3. 19 that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
_James_ 1. 5 if any lack wisdom let him ask of God.
1 _John_ 2. 27 the anointing which you have received teacheth you all
things.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 17-19 the gifts and mysteries of God to be unfolded to
all men and in all times, to those who diligently seek them.
12. 18 the Messiah of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record from the
beginning until this time, henceforth and forever.
22. 2 by the Spirit are all things made known to the prophets.
2 _Nephi_ 4. 35 God will give liberally to him that asketh.
26. 13 Christ manifesteth himself by the power of the Holy Ghost, to
all who believe on him.
27. 23 that I am the same yesterday, to-day and forever. _Chap_. 29. 9.
28. 29 wo be to him that shall say, we have received the word of God
and need no more. 30.
29. 6 thou fool that shall say, we have a Bible and need no more. 7-12.
_Alma_ 39. 19 is it not as easy for the Lord to declare these things to
us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?
3 _Nephi_ 27. 29 for he that asketh receiveth; and to him that knocketh
it shall be opened.
_Mormon_ 9. 7-11 God, a God of miracles, revelations and prophecy, the
same yesterday, to-day and for ever. 15-19. _Moroni_ 10. 19.
_Moroni_ 7. 29 have miracles ceased, or have angels ceased to minister
to men because Christ has ascended to heaven? 37, 38.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 1. 11 the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth. 20.
11. 25 wo to him that denieth the Spirit of revelation and prophecy.
20. 11 that God inspires men to do his work in this generation, as well
as in generations of old. 12-17.
26-28 not only those who are but who have been and who shall be, who
believe in the gifts and callings of God, shall be saved.
35 diminishing nothing from the revelations of John, or from the
revelations of God which shall come hereafter, by the power of the Holy
Ghost.
35. 8 will show miracles and wonders unto all who believe on my name.
42. 61 if thou shalt ask thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation.
67, 68.
50. 35 by giving heed to what you have received, and shall hereafter
receive.
59. 4 with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time.
70. 3 revelations which I have given them, and which I shall hereafter
give.
_See sermon by H. C. Kimball, J. of D., Vol. 2, page 220_.
" " " " _3, " 197_.
_O. Spencer's Letters to Rev. W. Crowell, No. 3_.
_A Pamphlet, by O. Pratt, on Faith_.
_Article by F. D. Richards, Mil. Star, Vol. 29, page 681_.
REPENTANCE.
The Nephite prophet, Alma, gives a very comprehensive idea of the
importance of repentance. "Yea, I would that ye would come forth and
harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time, and
the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden
not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be
brought about unto you. For behold, this life is the time for men to
prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for
men to perform their labors. And now as I said unto you before, as ye
have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not
procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this
day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we
do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of
darkness, wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when
ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will
return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which
doth possess your bodies at the time ye go out of this life, that same
spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.
For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance,
even until death, behold, ye have become subject to the spirit of the
devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath
withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all
power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked." _Alma_ 34.
31-35.
"For Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented
of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death;" 2 _Cor_. 7. 10. Of the
sorrow that worketh death was that of Judas; _Matt_. 27. 3-5 In some
passages of the Scriptures repentance signifies a change of purpose
in man, as in the case of the son who refused to work in his father's
vineyard, but afterwards repented and went; 21. 28, 29.
Again, it expresses the sympathy of the Lord for the sufferings of his
people: "For the Lord hearkened because of their groanings by reason
of them that oppressed them;" _Judges_ 2. 18. It sometimes expresses
sympathy in man for the sufferings of others: "And the people repented
them for Benjamin, because that the Lord had made a breach in the
tribes of Israel;" 21. 15.
In the history of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, we are informed
that Pharaoh's heart was hardened, so that he would not let the people
go. We are evidently to understand by this, that on account of the
great wickedness of the Egyptians, the Lord did not soften their hearts
by the gentle influences of his Spirit, but permitted them to pursue
their own chosen way and suffer the consequences.
We read in the Revelations of St. John: "And the rest of the men which
were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their
hands;" 9. 20. "And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains
and their sores, and repented not of their deeds;" 16. 11. These, like
the Egyptians, had passed the day of repentance, and were left to reap
the reward of their wickedness.
On account of their former wickedness, it was all the converted
Lamanites could do to repent; _Alma_ 24. 11.
Repentance is a gift of God: "Then hath God also to the Gentiles
granted repentance unto life;" _Acts_ 11. 18. "If God peradventure will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" 2 _Tim_. 2.
25. "Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth them to repentance;"
_Rom_. 2. 4. That is, the Lord grants to men of his Holy Spirit to
soften their hearts and enlighten their understandings, that they may
see and receive the truth, if they will; but his Spirit will not always
strive with man. Confession of sin, and restitution to the injured
party, was early made a standing law in Israel; _Num_. 5. 6, 7.
Confession is one of the outward evidences of a godly sorrow for sin:
"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the
mouth confession is made unto salvation;" _Rom_. 10. 10. "Confess
your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be
healed;" _James_ 5. 16.
On account of the magnitude of sins committed, repentance is not always
followed by forgiveness and restoration. For instance, when Peter was
preaching to the Jews, who had slain Jesus and taken his blood on
themselves and their children, he did not say, repent and be baptized
for the remission of sins; but "Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord; and (when) he shall send Jesus
Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must
receive until the times of the restitution of all things;" _Acts_ 3.
19-21. That is, repent now, and believe in Jesus Christ, that you may
be forgiven when he whom you have slain shall come again in the days of
the restitution of all things; and prescribe to you the terms on which
you may be saved.
Bible.
1 _Kings_ 8. 47 if they repent in the land of their captivity.
_Job_ 42. 6 I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.
_Psalm_ 106. 45 repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
110. 4 the Lord hath sworn and will not repent. _Heb_. 7. 21.
_Ezk_. 14. 6 repent and turn from your idols. _Chap_. 18. 30,
24. 14 neither will I spare, neither will I repent.
_Matt._ 3. 2 repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. _Chap_.
4. 17.
8 bring forth fruit meet for repentance. _Luke_ 3. 8.
9. 13 not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. _Luke_ 5. 32.
11. 20 because they repented not. 21. _Luke_ 10. 13.
12. 41 the men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation.
_Luke_ 11. 32.
_Mark_ 1. 15 repent ye and believe the Gospel.
6. 12 they went and preached that men should repent.
_Luke_ 13. 3 except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. 5.
15. 7 over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety-nine that need
no repentance.
16. 30 if one went unto them from the dead they will repent.
17. 3 if thy brother trespass against thee, and repent, forgive him. 4.
_Acts_ 17. 30 times of ignorance God winked at but now commands men to
repent.
26. 20 to the Gentiles that they should do works meet for repentance.
_Rom_. 2. 4 not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance.
2 _Cor_. 7. 9 but that ye sorrowed to repentance.
10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of.
_Heb_. 6. 1 not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works. 6.
12. 17 he found no place of repentance though he sought it.
2 _Peter_ 3. 9 that any should perish, but all should come to
repentance.
_Rev_. 3. 8 remember how thou hast received; hold fast and repent.
19 those I love I chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 18 the way is prepared for all men if they will repent.
22. 28 shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel, if they will
repent.
2 _Nephi_ 2. 21 he gave commandment that all men should repent.
9. 24 if they will not repent and be baptized they must be damned.
30. 2 the Gentiles that will repent are the covenant people of the Lord.
_Jacob_ 3. 3 except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes.
_Mos_. 4. 10 believe that you must repent of your sins, and forsake
them. 18.
12. 8 unless they repent I will utterly destroy them. 12.
18. 7 Alma preached repentance at the waters of Mormon.
20 he commanded they should preach nothing but repentance and faith.
26. 22 shall be baptized unto repentance.
27. 24 Alma said I have repented of my sins and been redeemed.
29. 19 were it not for the interposition of the Creator because of
their repentance.
_Alma_ 5. 31-33 repentance necessary to salvation. 49-56.
7. 9 the Spirit saith repent, prepare the way of the Lord.
9. 12 except ye repent ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom of God.
12. 15 power to save all that bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
24 this life a probationary state for repentance.
22. 6 will repent ye shall be saved.
26. 22 to him that repenteth is given to know the mysteries of God.
27. 23 because of their sore repentance on account of their many
murders.
29. 1, 2 that I were an angel to cry repentance to all people.
34. 31-35 to delay repentance until death is to become subject to the
devil.
42. 4 there was a probationary time granted to man for repentance. 5,
13.
16 repentance could not come unto men except there was a punishment.
_Hel_. 5. 11 he hath power to redeem them from their sins because of
repentance.
7. 17 O repent ye! why will ye die?
19-24, 28 the Nephites warned of great destruction, unless they would
repent.
8. 7 the things he saith will come to pass unless we repent. 26
10. 11 Nephites to be smitten unless they would repent. 17.
11. 8-17 the Lord turned away the famine from the Nephites because of
repentance.
12. 22-24 that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared.
13. 2 Samuel preached repentance to the people of Zarahemla. 6.
14. 17, 18 the resurrection of Christ brings to pass the conditions of
repentance.
3 _Nephi_ 9. 2 wo to the inhabitants of the earth unless they repent.
13, 22.
10. 6 how oft will I gather you if ye will repent. _Matt_. 23. 37.
16. 13 if the Gentiles will repent they shall be numbered with my
people.
18. 16 as I pray, ye shall pray among those who repent and are
baptized. 30-32.
23. 5 he who repents and is baptized shall be saved.
26. 17 whoso repents and is baptized shall be filled.
_Mormon_ 2. 8 although destruction hung over the Nephites they would
not repent. 10-13.
3. 22 I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent.
5. 22 how can ye stand before the power of God except ye repent? 24.
7. 3 ye must come to repentance or ye cannot be saved. 5, 7, 8
_Ether_ 2. 11 may repent and not continue in your iniquities, until the
fulness come.
5. 5 if so be they repent and come unto the Father.
7. 23 there came prophets warning the people to repent. 25, 26
8. 23 that things may be shown to you that ye may repent.
11. 1 many prophecies of the destruction of the people, unless they
should repent. 6, 8, 12, 20.
12. 3 Ether exhorted the people to believe in God unto repentance.
_Moroni_ 6. 7 if they repented not their names were blotted out. 8.
8. 24 repentance is unto those who are under the curse of a broken law.
25.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 1. 32, 33 from him that repents not shall be taken the light he
has received. _Sec_. 5. 21.
3. 10 God commanded Joseph Smith, Jun., to repent.
5. 19 a desolating scourge shall go forth if they repent not.
19. 4 every one must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless. 3, 15.
20. 29 all men must repent and endure in faith, or they cannot be saved.
29. 17 1 will take vengeance on the wicked for they will not repent.
44 they cannot be redeemed because they repented not. 49.
33. 10 repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
39. 18 inasmuch as they repent, I will stay mine hand in judgment.
42. 77 if not married, they shall repent and ye shall receive them.
43. 20 call on the nations to repent. Prepare, for the great day of the
Lord. 21, 22.
54. 3 if your brethren desire to escape their enemies let them repent.
63. 15 repent speedily, lest judgment come on them as a snare.
68. 24 if he repent he shall be forgiven, according to the covenants.
75. 29 the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent.
84. 57 to remain under condemnation, until they repent. 76.
90. 34 your brethren in Zion begin to repent and the angels rejoice. 35.
98. 21 will chasten them if they do not repent and observe all things.
109. 21 when thy people transgress, they may speedily repent and return
unto thee. 29.
50 that wicked mob may repent, if repentance can be found. 53.
124. 50 visit on the heads of those who hindered my work, if they
repent not. 52, 116.
133. 16 he commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent.
136. 35 their sorrow shall be great unless they repent speedily.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 9. said to Adam, thou shalt repent and call upon God.
13. Adam called on his sons to repent.
14. the sons of Adam called on all men to repent.
16. God hath made known to our fathers that all men must repent. Teach
it to your children that all men must repent.
18. the Lord said to Enoch, say to this people repent, lest I smite
them with a curse. He called on all but the people of Cainaan to repent.
23. if men do not repent I will send in the floods upon them For it
repenteth Noah that I have created them.
_History of Joseph Smith, Sept. 1, 1835_.
_A Pamphlet by O. Pratt, on Repentance_.
BAPTISM.
NECESSITY OF BAPTISM.
That Gospel baptism is necessary to salvation, is abundantly evidenced
in the sacred writings. Christ, the highest authority known to man,
asserted this most emphatically when he said to Nicodemus, "Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God;" _John_ 3. 5.
So important did the Savior consider baptism, that when he went to John
to be baptized, and John forbade him, he replied to him, "Suffer _it
to be so_ now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness;"
_Matt_. 3. 13-15. In this he taught John the doctrine that a fulness of
righteousness or salvation, could not be received without it.
The prophet Nephi, who lived nearly 600 years before the birth of our
Savior, clearly understood the necessity of baptism. Said he, "And now,
if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by
water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we,
being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water;" 2 _Nephi_ 31. 5.
The prophet Mormon, who lived nearly 1,000 years after Nephi, also
taught the necessity of following the example of our Savior in being
baptized, first, by water; _Mormon_ 7. 10.
In the opening up of the latter-day dispensation, the Lord said to his
prophet Joseph, "Whosoever believeth on my words them will I visit with
the manifestation of my Spirit, and they shall be born of me, even of
water and of the Spirit;" _Doc. & Cov_. 5. 16.
The Lord, in a revelation to Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon,
speaking of those who should be worthy to come forth in the
resurrection of the just, says, "They are they who received the
testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after
the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name;" 76.
51.
Bible.
_Matt_. 28. 19 go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them.
_Mark_ 16. 16 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.
_John_ 1. 33 he that sent me to baptize with water.
_Acts_ 2. 41 then they that gladly received his word were baptized.
1 _Cor_. 12. 13 for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body.
_Gal_. 3. 27 as many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on
Christ.
_Eph_. 4. 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
1 _Peter_ 3. 21 the like figure whereunto even baptism doth now save us.
Book of Mormon.
2 _Nephi_ 31. 11 the Father said, repent, and be baptized.
17 the gate by which ye shall enter is repentance and baptism.
_Alma_ 5. 62 be baptized unto repentance.
9. 27 cometh to redeem those who will be baptized unto repentance.
3 _Nephi_ 18. 5 one shall be ordained to break bread, and give to those
who are baptized in my name.
28. 18 uniting to the church those who believe on their preaching,
baptizing them.
_Mormon_ 9. 29 see that ye are not baptized unworthily.
_Moroni_ 6. 1-4 explains who are fit subjects for baptism.
8. 4-22 the reasons given why little children are not fit subjects for
baptism.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 68. 8 preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing in the name
of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
112. 29 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; he that
believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned.
128. 12 baptism by immersion necessary to answer to the likeness of the
dead, that one principle might accord with the other. Also in likeness
of the resurrection of the dead, in coming forth out of their graves.
This passage explains and beautifully accords with _Rom_. 6. 4, and
_Col_. 2. 12.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 16. the Holy Spirit promised to Adam, if he would repent and be
baptized. Explanation of the necessity of being born of water and of
the Spirit.
17. gives an account of the baptism of Adam.
MODE OF BAPTISM.
Not only is the necessity of baptism taught us by the highest possible
authority, but, as well, the manner in which that ordinance is to be
administered.
Adam, the Father of the race, set an example for all his children to
follow. "And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our
father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the
Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid
under the water, and was brought forth out of the water. And thus he
was baptized; and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was
born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man;" _P. of G.
P_., p. 17.
Christ went where John was baptizing in the river Jordan, to be
baptized of him, and "when he was baptized, went up straightway out
of the water;" _Matt_. 3. 16. That he was immersed, or buried in the
water, is evident from the sayings of the Apostle Paul, "Therefore we
are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was
raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together
in the likeness of his death, we shall be also _in the likeness of his
resurrection_;" Rom_. 6. 4, 5. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein
also ye are risen with _him_ through the faith of the operation of
God;" _Col_. 2. 12.
The meaning of these passages is evident. If we would come forth in the
resurrection in the likeness of Christ, we must, like him, be buried
in the water, and come forth out of the water, in the likeness of his
burial and resurrection.
The Nephites knew no other mode of Gospel baptism than immersion. Said
Jesus to his Nephite disciples, "And then shall ye immerse them in the
water, and come forth again out of the water;" 3 _Nephi_ 11. 26.
When our Savior sent forth his Jewish disciples to preach the Gospel,
he authorized them to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost; _Matt_. 28. 19. He instructed his Nephite disciples to
use the following words, "Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I
baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen;" 3 _Nephi_ 11. 25.
Quite explicit instructions on this subject are given to the Latter-day
Saints in the _Doc. & Cov_.: "The person who is called of God, and has
authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water
with the person who has presented him or herself for baptism, and shall
say, calling him or her by name--Having been commissioned of Jesus
Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water,
and come forth again out of the water;" 20. 73, 74.
Under date of May, 1829, we find the following account of the baptism
of J. Smith, Jun., and O. Cowdery, being the first baptisms in the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "Accordingly we went and
were baptized, I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me,
after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the
Aaronic Priesthood, afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me
to the same Priesthood--for so were we commanded. * * * It was on the
fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of
the Messenger, and baptized. Immediately on our coming up out of the
water, after we had been baptized, we experienced great and glorious
blessings."
Bible.
_Matt_. 3. 6 all baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
3. 13 then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John.
_John_ 3. 23 John was baptizing in Enon near Salem, because there was
much water there.
_Acts_ 8. 38, 39 Philip went down into the water with the eunuch.
22. 16 arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins.
1 _Cor_. 10. 2 all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
_Titus_ 3. 5 by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy
Ghost.
Book of Mormon.
_Mos_. 18. 12-17 a description of the manner in which Alma baptized the
Lamanites in the waters of Mormon.
26. 15 blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon.
_Alma_ 4. 4 many were baptized by Alma in the river Sidon.
3 _Nephi_ 11. 23-28 conditions for and form of baptism.
19. 11-13 Nephi, and his brethren, went down into the water, and came
up out of the water.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 17. Adam was laid under the water, and brought forth out of the
water.
18. Enoch was commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost.
OBJECT OF BAPTISM.
The primary aim and end of baptism is the remission of sins. This
subject is fully explained by the Lord to our Father Adam. "Therefore
I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your
children, saying, That by reason of transgression cometh the fall,
which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world
by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became
of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom
of heaven, of water, and of the spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even
the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all
sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal
life in the world to come, even immortal glory: For by the water ye
keep the commandment; by the spirit ye are justified, and by the blood
ye are sanctified; therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of
heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory;" _P. of
G. P_., p. 16.
The above quotation is full of meaning, but it is evident, at once,
that the object of baptism is to open the way through which, alone, men
may attain to all the blessings of salvation and eternal life. It was
especially the mission of John the Baptist to preach the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins; _Mark_ 1. 4.
On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter very earnestly exhorted the
multitude, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;" _Acts_ 2. 38.
The Apostle Paul says, "Without shedding of blood is no remission;"
_Heb_. 9. 22. John the Apostle also asserts the same doctrine: "The
blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin;" 1 _John_ 1.
7. It is evident, from the tenor of the sacred writings, that only by
being buried with Christ in water, by baptism, is the shedding of his
blood available to man for the remission of sins.
Bible.
_Luke_ 3. 3 John preached the baptism of repentance, for the remission
of sins.
_Acts_ 22. 16 arise and be baptized and wash away your sins.
_Eph_. 5. 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of
water.
_Titus_ 3. 5 by the washing of regeneration.
1 _Peter_ 3. 21 the like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now
save us.
Book of Mormon.
2 _Nephi_ 31. 17 after baptism by water, cometh the remission of sins.
_Alma_ 7. 14 be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from
your sins.
3 _Nephi_ 1. 23 baptism unto repentance, in which there was a remission
of sins.
7. 25 baptism by water, a witness of repentance and a remission of sins.
18. 30 the sacrament to be administered only to those who have been
baptized.
30. 2 come to me and be baptized, for the remission of sins.
_Moroni_ 8. 11 baptism and fulfilling the commandments bringeth
remission of sins.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 19. 31 Shalt declare repentance and remission of sins by baptism
and by fire.
55. 2 repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism.
68. 27 children to be baptized for remission of sins when eight years
old.
76. 51, 52 baptism and remission of sins necessary, in order to come
forth in the resurrection of the just.
84. 27 the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism, and remission of sins.
74 those not baptized for the remission of sins shall be damned.
Miscellaneous Passages.
_Matt_. 3. 7 when he saw Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism.
20. 22 are ye able to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?
_Mark_ 10. 39.
21. 25 the baptism of John, was it from heaven or of men? _Mark_ 11.
30. _Luke_ 20. 4.
28. 19 go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them.
_Mark_ 1. 8 I, indeed, have baptized you with water.
_Luke_ 3. 7 said he to the multitude that came to be baptized of him.
12.
16 John answered, I indeed baptize you with water. 21.
7. 29 the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of
John. 30.
12. 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with.
_John_ 1. 25 why baptizest thou, if thou be not the Christ?
26 1 baptize with water, but there standeth one among you. 28.
33 he that sent me to baptize with water, said to me;
3. 22 there he tarried with them and baptized. 23.
4. 1 that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.
_Acts_ 1. 5 John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the
Holy Ghost. 22.
2. 41 then they that gladly received his word were baptized.
8. 12 when they believed Philip they were baptized, both men and women.
13.
16 as yet he was fallen on none of them, only they were baptized.
36 see, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?
9. 18 Saul received sight and arose and was baptized.
10. 37 that word published throughout all Judea, after the baptism John
preached. 47.
16. 15 Lydia, when she was baptized, and her household, besought us. 33.
18. 8 many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. 25.
1 _Cor_. 1. 13 or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14, 16, 17.
12. 13 for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body.
_Gal_. 3. 27 as many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on
Christ.
_Eph_. 4. 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
_Heb_. 6. 2 of the doctrine of baptism and laying on of hands.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 9 my father said, he should baptize in Bethabary beyond
Jordan; also, that he should baptize the Messiah with water. 10.
2 _Nephi_ 31. 4 the prophet the Lord showed me should baptize the Lamb
of God. 6-10, 13.
14 if ye should deny me after being baptized with water and the Holy
Ghost, better if ye had not known me.
_Mos_. 18. 10 what have you against being baptized in the name of the
Lord?
21. 33 many desirous of being baptized, but there was none having
authority. 35.
25. 17, 18 Alma baptized the people of Limhi.
_Alma_ 7. 15 baptism a witness that we covenant with God to keep his
commandments.
15. 13 Alma consecrated priests and teachers, to baptize unto the Lord.
19. 35 the Lamanites that believed were baptized, and became a
righteous people. 36.
_Hel_. 16. 1 when they found Nephi they desired to be baptized. 3.
3 _Nephi_ 11. 21, 22 the Lord gave Nephi, and others, power to baptize.
12. 1 Jesus called twelve and gave them authority to baptize.
19. 10-13 Nephi, and all those whom Jesus had chosen, were baptized.
26. 17 the disciples whom Jesus had chosen began to baptize as many as
came to them.
27. 1 as the disciples were journeying and baptizing in the name of
Jesus.
28. 18 uniting to the church those who believed on their preaching,
baptizing them.
_Mormon_ 7. 10 are first baptized with water, following the example of
our Savior.
9. 29 see that ye are not baptized unworthily.
_Moroni_ 6. 1-4 explains who are fit subjects for baptism.
8. 4-22 why little children are not fit subjects for baptism.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 18. 7 as thou hast been baptized by my servant, J. Smith, Jun.
20. 37 qualifications necessary for baptism and reception into the
church.
38-58 duties of the Priesthood in connection with baptism.
68 duty of members after they receive baptism.
22. 1, 2 old covenants of no avail; necessary to be baptized to enter
the new covenant.
39. 20 go forth baptizing with water, preparing the way. 23.
52. 10 let them go, two by two, baptizing by water and laying on hands.
134. 12 not lawful to baptize bond servants, without consent of their
masters.
_See Testimonies of ancient and modern authors in relation to baptism,
Mil. Star, Vol. 21, pages 687, 721, 754, 768, 801, 833, and Vol. 22,
pages 44, 142, 491_.
_O. Spencer's Letters to Rev. Wm. Crowel, No 4_.
_A Pamphlet by O. Pratt_.
_History of J. Smith, Mar. 20, 1842_.
_Mil. Star, Vol. 33, pages 65, 82_.
_Article by N. Williams, Mil. Star, Vol. 41, page 84_.
BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD
A prominent feature in the plan of redemption is the vicarious nature
of the labors of Christ, and his ministers, for the salvation of men.
In his death and resurrection, Christ did that for men which they could
not do for themselves. In all dispensations of the Priesthood, it has
been the duty of those officiating in its ordinances to act for others,
when they could not act for themselves.
Under the Mosaic law, the tribe of Levi was set apart, to make it
the special business of their lives, in all their generations, to
understand its ordinances and ceremonies that they might be capable
of acting in behalf of the people, who were engaged in the ordinary
avocations of life. This labor was accepted by the Lord, in behalf of
the people, as though they had done it for themselves.
The ordinances described in the 16th _chap_. of _Lev_., which the High
Priest was required to perform as an atonement for the sins of the
house of Israel, clearly illustrates this principle. It is said of the
scapegoat, "And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the
live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of
Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them
upon the head of the goat, and shall send _him_ away by the hand of a
fit man into the wilderness;" 16. 21. This confession of the sins of
the people, by the High Priest, was a vicarious work, and was accepted
by the Lord as though they had confessed their own sins, with their
hands upon the head of the goat--a work evidently impracticable for
them to do.
The vicarious nature of the sufferings of Christ are clearly foretold
in the prophetic vision of Isaiah: "Surely he hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of
God, and afflicted. But he _was_ wounded for our transgressions, _he
was_ bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace _was_
upon him; and with his stripes we are healed;" 53. 4, 5. The same
prophet speaking further of Christ says, that he should be "For a
covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;" 42. 6. Evidently
referring to his earthly mission in which this was literally fulfilled.
At the time when this should take place, there was another labor which
he was to perform. He was "To open the blind eyes, to bring out the
prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the
prison house;" _verse_ 7. This passage informs us that there was a
class of persons who were confined in a dark, benighted prison, who
were to be delivered when Christ should be "For a covenant of the
people, for a light of the Gentiles."
The Apostle Peter informs us that Jesus, between his death and
resurrection, when his spirit was free from his body, went and preached
to the spirits in prison. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to
death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went
and preached unto the spirits in prison;" 1 _Pet_. 3. 18, 19. In the
context he informs us that these spirits were those, of the people, who
were disobedient in the days of Noah.
The Apostle Peter had no narrow views of the plan of salvation, for
when he speaks of Christ suffering, "the just for the unjust," he makes
no discrimination in favor of the living. For the assertion is sweeping
and universal, that Christ died for all; else what profit could there
be in Christ's preaching to the spirits in prison, unless the way was
opened for them to receive the ordinances and blessings of the Gospel,
in common with the living?
Peter positively informs us that the Gospel was preached to the dead,
and the reason why, "For, for this cause was the Gospel preached also
to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in
the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit;" 4. 6. If they are
judged according to men in the flesh, it would evidently be unjust, if
they should not have the benefit of all the ordinances and privileges
that pertain to the living. To the question, How can the dead receive
the ordinances of the Gospel? there can be but one answer--by proxy; by
the vicarious works of the living.
Not only did Peter assert that the Gospel was preached to the spirits
in prison, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but
the Apostle Paul informs us that the first Gospel ordinance, of all
dispensations--baptism, was administered by proxy among the former-day
Saints.
Speaking of the resurrection, he asks the Corinthian Saints, "Else
what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise
not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" 1 _Cor_. 15. 29.
That is, of what utility are baptisms for the dead, if there is no
resurrection? This doctrine was evidently neither strange nor new to
those to whom the Apostles were writing.
Paul further says, "For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and
revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living;" _Rom_. 14.
9. If this passage asserts anything, it is that Christ died for the
dead as well as the living. Again, there is here no discrimination made
in favor of the living.
Jesus gave some light on this subject, when talking with the Jews on
marrying and the resurrection: "Neither can they die any more: for
they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the
children of the resurrection. * * * For he is not a God of the dead,
but of the living: for all live unto him;" _Luke_ 20. 36, 38. The
following may be inferred from these passages: that notwithstanding
men die, they must live unto God through the resurrection, and as
myriads have died without a knowledge of the Gospel, they must have an
opportunity of enjoying its blessings, in order to live unto God, after
they have come forth from the dead.
The prophet Malachi, in vision, saw our day, over 2200 years ago. In
the closing chapter of his prophecy and of the Old Testament, he says,
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all
the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the
day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it
shall leave them neither root nor branch;" 4. 1. But there is another
important event to take place before that day, as we learn in _verses_
5 & 6: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming
of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart
of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their
fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
Elijah's coming must evidently be to some one who is prepared to
receive him, and to labor in the great work he is sent to inaugurate,
for the expression, "He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the
children, and the heart of the children to their fathers," is very
comprehensive. It does not discriminate between the living and the
dead, between the past and the future. It pertains to the whole family
of Adam.
Moroni, the heavenly messenger who ministered to Joseph Smith, Jun.,
makes the universality of the work to be accomplished still plainer:
"And he shall plant in the hearts of the children, the promises made
to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their
fathers; if it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at
his coming;" _P. of G. P_., p. 50.
"It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten
with a curse, unless there is a welding link of some kind or other,
between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other, and
behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we
without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be
made perfect.
"Neither can they nor we be made perfect, without those who have
died in the Gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of
the dispensation of the fulness of times; which dispensation is now
beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and
welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories
should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the
present time; and not only this, but those things which never have
been kept hid from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid
from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings
in this the dispensation of the fulness of times;" _Doc. & Cov., sec_.
128. 18.
The time came for Elijah to appear and fill his great and glorious
mission. The place was prepared, and the men were there who had the
faith to receive him, and the authority and power he was to bring to
men in the flesh, to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel for the
dead.
He appeared to Joseph, the Seer, and O. Cowdery, in the Kirtland
Temple, April 3d, 1836, and said, "Behold, the time has fully come,
which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi, testifying that he
(Elijah) should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the Lord
come, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse.
Therefore the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands,
and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is
near, even at the doors;" _Doc. & Cov., sec_. 110. 14, 15, 16.
Ordinances for the salvation of the dead require temples, or sacred
places especially constructed for their administration. The former-day
Saints usually remained in the same scattered condition in which
they received the Gospel. For these reasons, it is probable that the
doctrines pertaining to the salvation of the dead were imperfectly
taught. This may account for so little being said in the New Testament
on this subject.
The prophet Joseph has given special instructions on this subject in
_secs_. 127 & 128, _Doc. & Cov_.
_See Sermon by B. Young, J. of D., Vol. 3, page 362_.
" " _J. Smith_, " " _6_, " _1_.
" " _Jos. Young_, " " _6_, " _226_.
" " _G. Q. Cannon_, " " _14_, " _310_.
" " _J. Taylor_, " " _15_, " _284_.
" " _W. Woodruff_, " " _16_, " _263_.
" " _O. Pratt_, " " _18_, " _41_.
" " _B. Young_, " " _18_, " _235_.
_History of J. Smith, Oct. 18, 1840_.
" " " _31, 1841_.
" " _Dec. 13, 1841_.
" " _March 27, 1842_.
" " _April 15, 1842_.
" " _Jan. 21, 1844_.
" " _April 8, 1844_.
" " _May 12, 1844_.
REMISSION OF SINS.
This subject is closely connected with the fall of man and the
atonement of our Savior. The fall was brought about by a law being
given to him, in the Garden of Eden. He broke that law, and the fall
was the penalty of transgression.
The atonement opens up the way for the removal of that penalty; and
also for the removal of the effects of men's individual sins through
repentance. It is through obedience to certain laws and ordinances,
deriving their efficacy from the atonement of Christ, that men's sins
are remitted.
Man, in his weak and fallen state, is ever prone to sin. God, in his
great love and mercy, has provided a way through which his sins may
be forgiven. Besides the outward ordinances of the Gospel, there are
three general conditions which the sinner must fulfil, in order to have
his sins remitted. He must confess them and ask forgiveness; _Doc.
& Cov_., 64. 7. He must forgive others of their trespasses. Christ
taught his disciples, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your
Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their
trespasses, neither will your Heavenly Father forgive your trespasses;"
_Matt_. 6. 14, 15.
The Lord said to his prophet Joseph, "Ye ought to forgive one another,
for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses, standeth
condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin;"
_Doc. & Cov_, 64. 9. The third condition is, men must continually
bear in mind the atonement of Christ. The Nephite Saints continually
looked forward to the atonement of Christ, "Thus retaining a remission
of their sins;" _Alma_ 4. 13, 14. We are often taught in the sacred
writings to make our supplications to the Father, in the name of his
Son Jesus Christ, who has become a propitiation for sin. The works
necessary to attain to a remission of sins, and the results of that
remission, are well expressed by the Nephite prophet, Moroni:
"And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by
faith, unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the
commandments bringeth remission of sins; and the remission of sins
bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart, and because of meekness and
lowliness of heart, cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which
Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by
diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the Saints
shall dwell with God;" _Moroni_ 8. 25, 26.
Bible.
_Exo_. 23. 21 provoke him not, for he will not pardon your
transgressions.
32. 32 Moses said, yet now if thou wilt forgive their sin.
34. 7 forgiving transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear
the guilty.
_Josh_. 24. 19 is a holy a jealous God, he will not forgive your sins.
1 _Kings_ 8. 30 hear thou in heaven, and when thou hearest forgive.
2 _Chron_. 7. 14 then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their
sin.
_Neh_. 9. 17 thou art a God ready to pardon, slow to anger.
_Psalm_ 32. 1 blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin
is covered _Rom_. 4. 7.
86. 5 for thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive.
103. 3 who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases.
130. 4 but there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared.
_Jer_. 31. 34 for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin
no more.
_Dan_. 9. 9 to the Lord belong mercies and forgiveness. 19.
_Mic_. 7. 18 who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity.
_Matt_. 6. 12 forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. _Luke_
11. 4.
9. 2 son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee.
18. 21 how oft shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?
35 if ye forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
_Mark_ 2. 7 who can forgive sins but God only?
11. 25 forgive, that your Father in heaven may forgive you.
_Luke_ 6. 37 condemn not; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
17. 3, 4 if thy brother trespass against thee seven times.
23. 34 Jesus said, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
_John_ 20. 23 whosesoever sins ye remit they are remitted.
_Acts_ 26. 18 turn them from the power of Satan to God, that they may
receive forgiveness of sins.
_Eph_. 4. 32 forgiving one another as God hath forgiven you.
_Heb_. 9. 22 without shedding of blood there is no remission.
1 _John_ 2. 12 because your sins are forgiven, for his name's sake
Book of Mormon.
_Mos_. 26. 30 as often as my people repent will I forgive them. 31.
_Moroni_ 10. 33 shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the
covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 62. 3 angels rejoice over you and your sins are forgiven.
64. 7 I the Lord forgive sins unto those who confess their sins before
me.
8 the former-day disciples were afflicted because they forgave not one
another. 9.
10 I forgive whom I will, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
82. 1 inasmuch as you have forgiven one another, so I the Lord forgive
you.
110. 5 your sins are forgiven you: you are clean before me.
LAYING ON OF HANDS.
FOR ORDINATION.
Ordinations to offices in the holy Priesthood are sometimes mentioned
in both the Old and New Testaments, when it is not stated in the
context that it was by the imposition of hands. The apostle Paul
exhorted Timothy, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was
given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the
presbytery;" 1 _Tim_. 4. 14. The inference is reasonable, that Paul
here refers to an ordination to some office in the Priesthood.
Paul again said to Timothy, "Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee
by the putting on of my hands;" 2 _Tim_. 1. 6.
The Lord revealed to Joseph the prophet, that the Priesthood descended
from Adam to Noah under the HANDS OF THE FATHERS; _Doc & Cov_. 107.
40-52.
We are further informed that "Abraham received the Priesthood from
Melchisedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even
till Noah;" 84. 14. Esaias, who lived in the days of Abraham, "received
it under the hands of God;" from him it descended under the hands of
the fathers to Moses; 6-13.
In this dispensation all the offices and authority of the Priesthood
are conferred by the laying on of hands. The first ordination to the
Priesthood, in this dispensation, was under the hands of John the
Baptist; _Doc. & Cov., sec_. 13. The angel, John the Baptist, commanded
Joseph Smith and O. Cowdery to baptize each other. The prophet says:
"Accordingly we went and were baptized, I baptized him first, and
afterwards he baptized me, after which I laid my hands upon his head
and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, afterwards he laid his
hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood--for so were we
commanded;" _His. of J. Smith, May_ 15, 1829.
The same order as was observed in the ordination to the Aaronic
Priesthood, was also observed by Joseph Smith and O. Cowdery in their
ordination to the Melchisedek Priesthood; _Doc. & Cov_. 20. 3, 4,
_sec_. 21. 10-12.
FOR THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.
The laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost,
characterized the primitive Gospel dispensation, as recorded in the New
Testament. Peter and John laid their hands on the people of Samaria,
who had been baptized, and they received the Holy Ghost; _Acts_ 8. 17.
Ananias laid hands on Saul, by special commandment, before he was
baptized, that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy
Ghost; 9. 17.
Paul found some people at Ephesus, that claimed to be disciples of
John the Baptist, who had not even heard of the Holy Ghost. When he
had baptized them, "and when he had laid his hands upon them, the Holy
Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied;" 19.
2-6.
The laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost
characterized both the Mosaic and Gospel dispensations among the
Nephites. "Now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words,
that he clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold,
as he clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with the Holy
Spirit;" _Alma_ 31. 36. We are informed that the Nephites, at this
time, were very strict in observing the ordinances of God according to
the law of Moses; 30. 3.
When our Savior organized the Council of Twelve Apostles among the
Nephites, he touched them with his hand and gave them power to give
the Holy Ghost. "And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end
of these sayings, he touched with his hand the disciples whom he had
chosen, one by one, even until he had touched them all, and spake unto
them as he touched them; and the multitude heard not the words which
he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the disciples bear
record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost;" 3 _Nephi_ 18.
36, 37.
The Apostles of this dispensation are especially instructed to lay
hands on those who have been baptized into the church, "For the baptism
of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;" _Doc. & Cov_.
20. 41.
When the few who had received the Gospel first met to organize the
church, the prophet Joseph laid his hands on O. Cowdery and ordained
him an elder in the church, after which O. Cowdery ordained the prophet
Joseph to the same office. They then administered the sacrament to the
Saints. Afterwards they laid their hands "on each individual member of
the church present, that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,
and be confirmed members of the Church of Christ;" _His. of J. Smith,
April_ 6, 1830. This was the first time in this dispensation that hands
were publicly laid on for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, and for
confirmation.
FOR HEALING THE SICK.
Jesus Christ has left us his example for laying hands on the sick, that
they might be healed. He touched the hand of Peter's wife's mother, and
the fever left her; _Matt_. 8. 15. "He laid his hands upon a few sick
folk, and healed them;" _Mark_ 6. 5.
About the close of his earthly mission, Jesus said to his disciples,
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature;"
and promised them that if they would lay hands on the sick, they should
recover; 16. 15, 18.
"By the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among
the people;" _Acts_ 5. 12.
The Lord, through his prophet, Joseph, has commanded his people to
administer to the sick by the laying on of hands. "And whosoever among
you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be
nursed with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by
the hand of an enemy. And the elders of the church, two or more, shall
be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name;
and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall
live unto me;" _Doc. & Cov_., 42. 43, 44.
The ordinance of laying on of hands for the bestowal of authority,
power and blessing has characterized all the dispensations of the holy
Priesthood. But it does not necessarily follow that the Creator may not
bestow these favors in other ways.
Before the flood, the Lord said to Enoch, "Anoint thine eyes with clay,
and wash them, and thou shalt see;" and the spiritual creations were
opened to his vision; _P. of G. P., p_. 15.
Naaman, the Syrian, was cleansed of his leprosy by washing seven times
in Jordan; 2 _Kings_ 5. 10-14.
The blind man, after Jesus had anointed his eyes with clay, received
his sight by washing them in the pool of Siloam; _John_ 9. 7. Contrary
to the usual custom, Ananias laid hands on Saul, before he was
baptized, that he might be filled with the Holy Ghost; _Acts_ 9. 17.
Bible.
_Num_. 27. 18 take thee Joshua, the son of Nun, and lay thine hand upon
him.
2 _Kings_ 5. 11 I thought he would strike his hand over the place.
_Mark_ 7. 33 put his finger into his ears, and touched his tongue.
8. 23 he took the blind man and put his hands on him. 25.
_Acts_ 4. 30 stretching forth thy hand to heal, that signs and wonders
be done.
14. 3 granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 20. 58 teachers and deacons have no authority to lay on hands.
25. 8 by his hands you shall receive the Holy Ghost.
33. 15 by the laying on of hands I will bestow the Holy Ghost.
36. 2 will lay my hands upon you, by the hand of my servant.
39. 23 by your hands they shall receive the Holy Ghost, and know me.
42. 43, 44 the elders shall lay hands on the sick.
49. 14 receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. _Sec_. 52. 10.
_Sec_. 53. 3. _Sec_. 55. 1.
66. 9 lay your hands upon the sick and they shall recover.
68. 25 children should be taught baptism, and the Gift of the Holy
Ghost by laying on hands.
27 and their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins
when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.
_See Mil. Star, Vol. 3, page 59_.
_History of J. Smith, March 20, 1842_.
THE RESURRECTION.
What little knowledge we have of this doctrine we have received from
Jesus Christ, the author of it, and from those whom he has sent to
teach mankind. From these we learn that a resurrection has occurred,
and that there will be others at different periods of time, as well as
under different circumstances.
The resurrection is predicated on the death or dissolution of the
earth, and all organizations pertaining to it. As the fall of Adam
brought death or dissolution, so the death and resurrection of Christ
will bring to pass a restoration to life, of all creatures that have
been affected by the fall.
AT CHRIST'S RESURRECTION.
That Christ well understood the great object of his earthly mission,
is evident from many of his sayings previous to his death and
resurrection. Early in his ministry he said to Nicodemus, "As Moses
lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be
lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
eternal life;" _John_ 3. 14, 15.
On another occasion Jesus said to Martha the sister of Lazarus, "I am
the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he were
dead, yet shall he live;" _John_ 11. 25. At another time, in talking
with the Pharisees, he said, "Therefore doth my Father love me, because
I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from
me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and to
take it up again;" _John_ 10. 17, 18.
We are informed that one resurrection has already taken place, and that
it occurred at the resurrection of our Savior. "And the graves were
opened; and many bodies of the Saints which slept arose, and came out
of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and
appeared unto many;" _Matt_. 27. 52, 53.
The following indicates that the prophet Isaiah had a prophetic glimpse
of this resurrection; "Thy dead _men_ shall live, _together_ with my
dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for
thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead;"
_Isa_. 26. 19.
It would appear that the Psalmist, David, looked forward for redemption
from the dead, at the resurrection of Christ. "My flesh also shall rest
in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou
suffer thine Holy One to see corruption;" _Psalm_ 16. 9, 10.
The Book of Mormon is much more definite and comprehensive on this
subject than the Bible. "And there cometh a resurrection, even a first
resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and
who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ: for
so shall he be called. And now, the resurrection of all the prophets,
and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that
have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first
resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection * * * And
these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and these are
they that have died before Christ came in their ignorance, not having
salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth about the
restoration of these; and they have a part in the first resurrection,
or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord. And little children
also have eternal life;" _Mos_. 15. 21-25.
This declaration of the prophet-king, Mosiah, was made about 100 B. C.
Alma, who lived and prophesied a few years later, says, "And behold,
again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection; a
resurrection of all those who have been, or who are, or who shall be,
down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead;" _Alma_ 40. 16.
From these passages quoted from the Book of Mormon, and their
contexts, it is evident that the Nephite Saints looked forward to the
resurrection of Christ from the dead, for their deliverance from the
grave, with the same assurance that the Latter-day Saints anticipate
their resurrection at his second coming.
By way of explanation, the prophet Alma adds, "The resurrection meaneth
the re-uniting of the soul with the body of those from the days of
Adam, down to the resurrection of Christ;" 40. 18, 19.
The Lamanite prophet, Samuel, speaking of the resurrection of Christ,
says, "And many graves shall be opened, and shall yield up many of
their dead; and many Saints shall appear unto many;" _Hel_. 14. 25.
During Christ's ministry among the Nephites, his disciples testified
that this prophecy was fulfilled; 3 _Nephi_ 23. 10.
Bible.
_Job_ 19. 25 for I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall
stand at the latter day upon the earth.
_Matt_. 17. 9 until the Son of Man be risen from the dead. _Mark_ 9.9.
27. 64 and the people say he is risen from the dead.
28. 6 he is not here, for he is risen as he said. _Mark_ 16. 6, 9, 14.
_Luke_ 24. 34 the Lord is risen, indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
_John_ 2. 19-21 destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it
up.
5. 25 the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the
voice of the Son of God.
26 the Father gave to the Son to have life in himself.
8. 28 when ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I
am he.
12. 32 if I be lifted up I will draw all men to me.
_Acts_ 1. 22 must one be ordained to be a witness of his resurrection.
2. 31 David spake of the resurrection of Christ. 32.
26. 23 that he should be the first that should rise from the dead.
_Rom_. 8. 34 is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God.
14. 9 died and rose that he might be Lord of the dead and living.
_Col 1_. 18 who is the beginning, the first born from the dead.
_Rev_. 1. 18 I am he that liveth and was dead.
Book of Mormon.
2 _Nephi_ 2. 8, 9 he layeth down his life and taketh it again, that he
may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead. _Mos_. 13. 35.
_Mos_. 16. 9 he is a life that is endless, that there can be no more
death. 10.
3 _Nephi_ 6. 20 testifying of the death of Christ and of his
resurrection, in all the land.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 18. 12 he hath risen from the dead, that he might bring all men
to him.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 21. the Saints arose at the resurrection of Christ. The spirits
that were in prison came forth.
AT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.
Those who have lived and died since the resurrection of Christ, in the
hope of a resurrection from the dead, are looking forward to the time
of his coming, in the latter days, for their redemption from the grave.
"Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For
this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive
and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are
asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the
dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive _and_ remain
shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord
in the air;" 1 _Thess_. 4. 14-17.
Christ said to his Nephite disciples who were to remain until his
coming, "When I shall come in my glory, ye shall be changed in the
twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality;" 3 _Nephi_ 28. 8.
The Lord said to Joseph Smith, the Seer, "Behold, I will come; and they
shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great
glory, with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall
be cut off; * * and the Saints that have slept shall come forth to meet
me in the cloud;" _Doc. & Cov_., 45. 44, 45.
We have seen by previous reference to the Book of Mormon, that the
heathen nations, and those who knew no law, should be resurrected when
Christ arose from the dead. The Lord revealed to Joseph, the Seer, that
this should also take place when he comes in his glory. "And then shall
the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have
part in the first resurrection;" _verse_ 54.
The Lord gave Joseph, the Seer, a further description of this glorious
event. "And immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded,
as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord
shall be unveiled; and the Saints that are upon the earth, who are
alive, shall be quickened, and be caught up to meet him. And they who
have slept in their graves shall come forth; for their graves shall be
opened, and they also shall be caught up to meet him in the midst of
the pillar of heaven: They are Christ's, the first fruits: they who
shall descend with him first, and they who are on the earth and in
their graves, who are first caught up to meet him;" 88. 95-98.
Then comes the redemption of those who have received their part in
that prison that is prepared for them; _verse_ 99. "Then cometh the
spirits of men who are to be judged, and are found under condemnation;
and these are the rest of the dead, and they live not again until the
thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end of the earth;"
_verses_ 100 and 101. These appear to be the only ones of the family of
man whose bodies remain in their graves until the last resurrection.
Bible.
_Dan_. 12. 2 many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall
awake.
_Luke_ 14. 14 for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the
just.
_Rev_. 11. 18 the time of the dead, that they should be judged.
20. 5, 6 blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 29. 13 the dead who have died in Christ shall come forth.
63. 18 they shall not have part in the first resurrection. 49, 51.
76. 50-70 concerning those who shall come forth in the resurrection of
the just.
71-80 concerning those of the terrestrial world who shall rise in the
first resurrection.
88. 100 then cometh the spirits of men who are still under condemnation.
RESURRECTION AT THE END OF THE WORLD.
John, the Revelator, has left us a short description of this
resurrection, and of the judgment connected with it. "And I saw the
dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and
another book was opened, which is _the book of life_: and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in the books, according
to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and
death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were
judged every man according to their works;" _Rev_. 20. 12, 13.
At that time, the earth, having filled the measure of its creation, in
this order of things, will undergo a change that will fit it for the
residence of exalted, celestial beings; "And I saw a new heaven and a
new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;"
21. 1.
The Book of Mormon, also gives some account of this final resurrection;
"And they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand
before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from the eternal band of
death;" _Mormon_ 9. 13.
The Jaredite prophet, Ether, who lived on the American continent 600
years before the Savior was born, predicted this great change in the
earth; "And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall
be like unto the old, save the old have passed away, and all things
shall become new;" _Ether_ 13. 9.
Joseph, the Seer of the present dispensation, has given us a more
comprehensive view of this subject than has come down from other
dispensations; "And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth
shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and
a new earth, for all old things shall pass away, and all things shall
become new, even the heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof,
both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea;
and not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost;" _Doc. & Cov_., 29.
23-25.
Both the wicked and the righteous will be resurrected; _verses_ 26, 27.
That the final change in the earth will be equivalent to a resurrection
is evident from the following: "Wherefore it shall be sanctified; yea,
notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall
abide the power by which it is quickened;" 88. 26.
Bible.
_Matt_. 25. 32 all nations to be gathered before the Son of Man.
_Rev_. 20. 15 those not found written in the book of life, were cast
into the lake of fire.
8 the wicked had their part in the lake of fire.
22. 11 he that is unjust, let him be unjust still. 12.
15. without are dogs, sorcerers and whoremongers.
Book of Mormon.
3 _Nephi_ 26. 4 when all people and nations shall stand before God.
_Mormon_ 9. 2 when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll, when
ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God.
13 when all, both small and great, shall be loosed from the bands of
death.
_Ether_ 4. 19 he that is faithful at the last day shall be lifted up.
5. 6 when we shall stand before God at the last day.
Doctrine & Covenants.
_Sec_. 76. 39 for all the rest shall be brought forth by the
resurrection of the dead.
81-89 concerning those of the telestial world who will come forth in
the last resurrection.
RESURRECTION OF THE BODY THAT IS LAID DOWN.
When Job said, "Though after my skin _worms_ destroy this body, yet in
my flesh shall I see God;" 19. 26; it is evident that he believed that
though his body should be disorganized, yet, in his own flesh, and not
in that of another, he should see God. As if to confirm his assertion,
he further adds, "Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall
behold, and not another;" _verse_ 27.
A literal resurrection was manifested to Ezekiel in his vision of the
resurrection of the house of Israel; 37. 1-14.
When Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, and said, "This
is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead;" _Matt_. 14. 1, 2; he
probably, in common with the Jews, believed in a literal resurrection.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I
myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as
ye see me have;" _Luke_ 24. 39; _John_ 20. 27; _Acts_ 10. 41. "He that
raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies;"
_Rom_. 8. 11. That is, their bodies that died, and not some other
bodies.
The apostle Paul gives us some light on this subject: "But some _man_
will say, How are the dead raised? and with what body do they come?
_Thou_ fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die; *
* thou sowest not that body that shall be. * * But God giveth it a body
as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is
not the same flesh: but _there is one kind of_ flesh of men, another
flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds;" 1 _Cor_. 15.
35-39.
The apostle evidently considers the old body the germ of a new body,
which will be like the old, but a new growth, even as new grain is
produced from that which is sown.
It is also evident that the apostle considered it impossible for one
kind of flesh to mingle with another in the resurrection, as they
widely differ, from different combinations of the elements, in their
organization. As well might we expect the different grades of spiritual
organizations, to intermingle, as the different kinds of flesh of which
their material bodies are composed.
The following is from the _Times and Seasons, vol. 5, page_ 617:
"Mothers, you shall have your children, for they shall have eternal
life: for their debt is paid, there is no damnation awaits them, for
they are in the spirit. As the child dies, so shall it rise from the
dead and be forever living in the learning of God; it shall be the
child, the same as it was before it died out of your arms. Children
dwell and exercise power in the same from as they laid them down."
In the _History of Joseph Smith_, under date of April 7, 1843, we find
the following very pointed assertion on this subject: "There is no
fundamental principle belonging to a human system that ever goes into
another in this world or in the world to come: I care not what the
theories of men are. We have the testimony that God will raise us up,
and he has the power to do it. If any supposes that any part of our
bodies, that is the fundamental parts thereof, ever goes into another
body, he is mistaken."
_See a Sermon by J. Smith, Jun., Times and Seasons, Vol, 5, page 612_.
_Also a Pamphlet published the same year in which the above Discourse
was delivered_.
Book of Mormon.
2 _Nephi_ 9. 4 must waste away, but in our bodies we shall see God.
6 as death has passed on all men, there must be a power of resurrection.
8. 9 if the flesh should rise no more, our spirits must become subject
to the devil.
12 the bodies and spirits of men will be restored, the one to the other.
_Alma_ 11. 43-45 the spirit and the body shall be reunited in perfect
form.
40. 23 not a hair of the head shall be lost.
_Mormon_ 6. 21 day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality.
Miscellaneous Passages.
_Matt_. 22. 28 therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be.
_Luke_ 20. 33.
31, 32 God is not the God of the dead but of the living.
_Mark_ 12. 25 rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in
marriage.
_Luke_ 20. 36 are the children of God, being the children of the
resurrection.
_John_ 5. 21 the Father raiseth up the dead; the Son quickeneth whom he
will.
28 all that are in their graves shall hear his voice.
11. 24 I know he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25, 26.
_Acts_ 4. 2 and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
10, 33.
24. 15 a resurrection of both the just and unjust.
26. 8 thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the
dead.
_Rom_. 4. 17 even God who quickeneth the dead.
6. 5 we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
1 _Cor_. 3. 22 life or death, things present or to come, all are yours.
15. 40-44 bodies are raised in different degrees of glory, according to
their order.
45 first man, Adam, was made a living soul, the last a quickening
spirit.
_Col_. 3. 1 ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are
above.
2 _Tim_. 1. 10 who hath brought life and immortality to light through
the Gospel.
_Heb_. 6. 2 of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
11. 35 not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better
resurrection.
1 _Peter_ 1. 3 hath begotten us again unto a lively hope of the
resurrection.
_Rev_. 1. 5 first begotten of the dead, and king of the princes of the
earth.
14. 13 blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. Their works follow
them.
Book of Mormon.
_Alma_ 11. 41 the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption
made, except the loosing of the bands of death.
12. 7 been spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead, that all
shall rise. 16, 18, 24.
_Chap_. 40. no resurrection until after the coming of Christ. A time
appointed that all shall rise. Must needs be a space between death and
the resurrection. State of the soul during that time.
3 _Nephi_ 28. 36-40 concerning the change wrought in the disciples who
were to tarry.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 42. 45 especially for those that have not hope of a glorious
resurrection.
43. 18 say to the sleeping nations, ye Saints arise, ye sinners stay
and sleep.
32 he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of
an eye.
88. 14 through the redemption that is made for you, is brought to pass
the resurrection of the dead.
101. 31 not sleep but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
130. 18 whatever knowledge we attain to in this life, will rise with us
in the resurrection.
132. 13 all things not ordained of God, shall not remain after the
resurrection.
133. 55 Moses, Elijah and John with Christ in his resurrection
_See a Pamphlet by B. Young_.
_Sermon by J. Smith, J. of D., Vol. 6, page 1_.
" _B. Young " _Vol. 15, page 139_.
" _Geo. Q. Cannon, J. of D., Vol. 17, page 134_.
_Article by P. P. Pratt, Mil. Star, Vol. 2, page 97_.
_Key to Theology, Chapter 15_.
_Sermon by J. Smith, Mil. Star, Vol. 3, page 59_.
_Article by C. W. Penrose, Mil. Star, Vol. 30, page 65_.
_History of J. Smith, April 16, 1843_.
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
"There are, in the church, two Priesthoods, namely, the Melchisedek and
Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. Why the first is called
the Melchisedek Priesthood, is because Melchisedek was such a great
High Priest. Before his day it was called _the Holy Priesthood, after
the Order of the Son of God_. * * * All other authorities or offices in
the church are appendages to this Priesthood;" _Doc. & Cov_. 107. 1-5.
In the ordinances of this Priesthood "The power of Godliness is
manifest; and without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the
Priesthood, the power of Godliness is not manifest unto men in the
flesh;" 84. 20, 21.
This Priesthood, or _Order of the Son of God_. is "Without father,
without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor
end of life;" _Heb_. 7. 3. Its authority and powers have ever existed,
and there has never been wanting intelligences to manifest them through
its ordinances.
"This greater Priesthood administereth the Gospel and holdeth the key
of the mysteries of the kingdom even the key of the knowledge of God;"
_Doc. & Cov_. 84. 19. That this passage refers to a personal knowledge
of God is evident from _verse_ 22, "For without this no man can see the
face of God, even the Father, and live." This is a distinct line drawn
between the two Priesthoods.
That man could not attain to the knowledge which would admit him
to the presence of God, without the Melchisedek Priesthood, "Moses
plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought
diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of
God; but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence,
therefore the Lord in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against
them) swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the
wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. Therefore he took
Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;" _verses_ 23-25.
The Latter-day Saints have this Priesthood, with its authority,
ordinances and blessings. How they have obtained it, is a very
important question. Peter was the chief of the apostles, in the Gospel
dispensation, from which we understand that the Presidency of the
Melchisedek Priesthood, in that dispensation, was vested in him, and
that it was through him that its succession could be again restored to
the earth. We find that in June, 1829, a revelation was given, making
known the calling of a Council of Twelve Apostles; _Doc & Cov_. 18. 27.
It is evident that between the fifteenth of May, 1829, and the time
when this revelation was given, in June following, Joseph Smith, Jun.,
O. Cowdery, and D. Whitmer were called to the Melchisedek Priesthood.
For the Lord, speaking to O. Cowdery and D. Whitmer, said, "I speak
unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with
the same calling with which he was called;" _verse_ 9.
While Joseph Smith, Jun., is not mentioned here as an apostle, we have
the information in a revelation given April, 1830, that he was the
first apostle and elder of this church, "Which commandments were given
to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an APOSTLE
of Jesus Christ, to be the FIRST ELDER of this church; and to Oliver
Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be
the SECOND ELDER of this church, and ordained under his hand;" _Doc. &
Cov_. 20. 2, 3.
We are informed in _sec_. 27. 12, under date of September, 1830, who
ordained them; "And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have
sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be
apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your
ministry, and of the same things which I revealed unto them."
The presidency of Peter, James and John are plainly asserted in the
above passages; the thirteenth verse, with the context, informs us
that they bestowed the presidency of this dispensation on Joseph Smith
and others: "Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and
a dispensation of the Gospel for the last time; and for the fulness
of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both
which are in heaven, and which are on earth." We are informed that
these primitive apostles also testified that they held this presidency
of the Melchisedek Priesthood: "The voice of Peter, James and John in
the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna County, and Colesville,
Broome County, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as
possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the
fulness of times;" 128. 20.
In the thirty-seventh verse of _sec_. 18, the Lord designated O.
Cowdery and D. Whitmer as two men he had chosen to search out the then
future Twelve, whom the Lord declares, in the twenty-seventh verse were
already called. This selection, of the Council of Twelve Apostles, was
not made until February 14, 1835, over five years afterwards.
The most comprehensive evidence that Joseph Smith. Jun., received the
authority and power of the Holy Priesthood, is that the works of John
the Baptist, of Jesus and his apostles, are being again done on the
earth by his administration. To receive the powers of this Priesthood,
it is necessary that men should obey the laws and ordinances of the
Gospel.
The Lord has personally appeared to some men, and covenanted with them
as he did with Abraham; _Gen_. 12. 1-3. _chap_. 13. 14-17. The Lord
also personally called and authorized his twelve Jewish apostles. So
fully were they authorized to labor for him, and act in his name, that
he said to them, "He that receiveth you receiveth me; and he that
receiveth me receiveth him that sent me;" _Matt_. 10. 40.
More generally, it is from the prophets and apostles of Christ that
men receive the Priesthood. Many received it under the hands of the
apostles of the first Gospel dispensation. Those who have received it
in this latter-day dispensation, have received it from Joseph Smith,
Jun., and O. Cowdery, and, in doing so, have received it through a
legitimate channel from God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. Those
who have received this Priesthood have covenanted with God the Father,
and he with them. This is evidently the view taken of the subject in
the above passage quoted from Matthew.
The doctrine is more fully illustrated in _Doc. & Cov_.: "All they
who receive this Priesthood receiveth me, saith the Lord; for he that
receiveth my servants receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth
my Father; and he that receiveth my Father, receiveth my Father's
kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him;
and this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the
Priesthood;" 84. 35-39.
Bible.
_Gen_. 14. 18, 20 Melchisedek, king of Salem, blessed Abraham. _Heb_.
7. 1, 2.
_Psalm_ 110. 4 thou art a priest forever after the order of
Melchisedek. _Heb_. 5. 6, 10. _Chap_. 6. 20.
_Acts_ 14. 23 and when they had ordained them elders in every church.
20. 17 sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church.
_Titus_ 1. 5 and ordain elders in every city.
_Heb_. 2 17 a faithful High Priest, to make reconciliation for the sins
of the people.
3. 1 the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.
4. 14 a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God.
15 not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities.
5. 1 every high priest taken from among men is ordained. 8. 3.
8. 1, 2 Jesus Christ an high priest, and minister of the sanctuary. 3,
5.
10. 19-21 boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.
Book of Mormon.
_Mos_. 29. 42 the office of high priest conferred on Alma by his father.
_Alma_ 4. 4 Alma high priest over the church. 20. _Chap_. 5. 3, 49, 51.
6. 1 ordained priests and elders according to the holy order of God. 8.
13. 1, 2. ordained priests after the order of his Son, that the people
might know how to look forward to the redemption of his Son.
3 _Nephi_ 18. 5 one ordained to bless bread, and break it.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 18. 27-39 duty of the Twelve Apostles to preach the Gospel.
21. 1 J. Smith, Jun., to be called a seer, translator, prophet and
apostle.
10, 11 J. Smith, Jun., and O. Cowdery ordain each other.
27. 5-11 personages who held important keys of the Priesthood, in
former dispensations.
28. 2 none to receive revelations for the church but J. Smith, Jun.
_Sec_. 102. organization of the first High Council of the church.
106. 1 W. A. Cowdery appointed and ordained a presiding high priest.
107. 33 the Twelve are a traveling presiding High Council, to officiate
in the name of the Lord under the direction of the Presidency of the
church agreeable to the institution of heaven to build up the church,
and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations; first unto the
Gentiles, and secondly unto the Jews.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 26. Abraham became a high priest, holding the right belonging to
the fathers.
28. Pharaoh was of that lineage which could not have the right of
Priesthood.
Miscellaneous Passages.
_John_ 15. 16 ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.
1 _Cor_. 5. 5 offenders to be delivered to Satan by the Priesthood.
2 _Cor_. 5. 20 now then we are embassadors for Christ.
_Heb_. 5. 4 no man taketh this honor, but he that is called of God.
7. 15-28 another priest who is made after the power of endless lives.
9. 11-28 Christ the great sacrifice, the Mediator of the New Testament.
10. 19-21 boldness to enter into the holiest, by the blood of Jesus.
1 _Peter_ 2. 5 an Holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices. 25.
_Rev_. 1. 6 and hath made us kings and priests unto God. 5. 10. _Chap_.
20. 6.
7. 3 sealed the servants of God in their foreheads.
Book of Mormon.
2 _Nephi_ 6. 2 called of God and ordained after his holy order.
_Mos_. 3. 23 I have spoken what the Lord hath commanded me.
23. 16, 17 none received authority to teach except from God.
_Alma_ 7. 22 ye may walk after the holy order of God. _Chap_ 8. 4.
13. 3 being called and prepared, from the foundation of the world.
5-20 calling, foreordination and eternal duration of the Priesthood.
17. 3 they taught with power and authority from God.
18 Ammon imparted the word of God to his brethren.
49. 30 word of God declared by those ordained after the holy order of
God.
_Hel_. 8. 18 many before Abraham who were called by the order of God.
_Ether_ 12. 10.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Lecture on Faith, Sec_. 2. genealogy of the Priesthood from Adam to
Abraham.
_Sec_. 1. 17, 18 J. Smith, Jun., authorized to declare the Gospel, that
the prophets might be fulfilled.
30 that they might have power to organize the true church.
2. 1, 2 the Priesthood to be revealed by Elijah.
19. 9 I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing.
29. 4 ye are chosen out of the world to declare my Gospel.
35. 18 the keys of those things that have been sealed, given to J.
Smith, Jun.
42. 11 ordination to be done by one having authority.
65 unto you is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom. 69.
64. 5 the keys of the kingdom not to be taken from J. Smith, Jun.
68. 2 this is an ensample to all who were ordained to this Priesthood.
72. 1 the kingdom and power given to the high priests of the church.
77. 11 those to be sealed out of the tribes of Israel are high priests.
_Rev_. 7. 4-8.
78. 1 hearken to me you who are ordained to the High Priesthood.
84. 6-16 lineage of the Priesthood from the sons of Moses back to Adam.
25, 26 the Lord took Moses and the Holy Priesthood from the midst of
Israel.
29 offices of elder and bishop necessary appendages to the Melchisedek
Priesthood.
33, 34 those faithful to the obtaining of these two Priesthoods, become
the sons of Moses and Aaron.
86. 8 saith the Lord to you with whom the Priesthood hath continued.
10, 11.
113. 8 the strength of Zion is the power of the Priesthood.
121. 21 neither they nor their posterity shall have a right to the
Priesthood.
36-45 the necessity of exercising the powers of the Priesthood in
meekness.
124. 33, 34 temples necessary for the purposes of the holy Priesthood.
91-95 H. Smith clothed with the same Priesthood and gifts as were once
bestowed on O. Cowdery.
123 the offices and keys of the Priesthood, on J. Smith, Jun.
124 H. Smith holds the sealing blessings of the church.
135-145 instructions concerning various quorums.
127. 8 the Lord about to restore many things pertaining to the
Priesthood.
128. 8 nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the Priesthood.
132. 44 then shall you have power by my Holy Priesthood to take her.
58 many things pertaining to the law of the Priesthood.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 13. the same Priesthood, in the beginning and end of the world.
17. thou art after the order of him who was without beginning of days.
23. and the Lord ordained Noah after his order.
29. the seed of Abraham to bear this mission and Priesthood to all
nations.
THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD.
John the Baptist was the acknowledged forerunner of Christ, and, as
such, he preached the preparatory Gospel of repentance, and baptism
for the remission of sins. His father, Zacharias, was a priest of the
course of Abia, and his mother was of the daughters of Aaron; _Luke_ 1.
5.
Thus the Aaronic Priesthood was the heritage of John the Baptist.
His ministry evidences that he was clothed with its authority. That
the chain of evidence might be complete, regarding this fact, the
Lord revealed to Joseph Smith, Jun., that he was ordained to the
Aaronic Priesthood by an angel; _Doc. & Cov_. 84. 28. Being the first
man ordained to it in the former Gospel dispensation, he holds the
presidency of that Priesthood in all subsequent dispensations.
As a sequence, the man who should open up the last dispensation must
receive it from him. We have the testimony of Joseph Smith, Jun.,
and Oliver Cowdery, that John the Baptist did ordain them to this
Priesthood, using the following words, "Upon you my fellow servants, in
the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the
keys of the ministering of angels, and of the Gospel of repentance, and
of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never
be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an
offering unto the Lord in righteousness;" _Doc. & Cov., sec_. 13.
"The messenger who visited us on this occasion, and conferred this
Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is
called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under
the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the
Priesthood of Melchisedek, which Priesthood he said should in due time
be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder, and
Oliver the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we
were ordained under the hand of the messenger and baptized;" _His. of
J. Smith, Jun., May_ 15, 1829.
Thus was the succession of the Lesser Priesthood again restored to the
earth.
Bible.
_Gen_. 29. 34 Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah.
50. 7 all the elders of his house, and of the land of Egypt.
_Exo_. 3. 16 go and gather the elders of Israel together.
6. 16 names of the sons of Levi.
17. 5 take with thee of the elders of Israel.
18. 1 Jethro, the priest of Midian.
19. 7 Moses called for the elders. 22.
28. 1 Aaron and his sons set apart to minister in the priest's office.
_Chap_. 29. 44. _Chap_. 30. 30. _Chap_. 40. 13, 15.
_Lev_. 7. 35, 36 Aaron and his sons anointed priests by a statute
throughout all their generations. 4. 15.
_Chap_. 8. Aaron and his sons anointed and clothed in their priestly
garments.
_Chap_. 16. an enumeration of many of the duties of Aaron.
_Num_. 3. 1-10 Aaron and his sons appointed to the priest's office.
3. 12 the Levites taken in place of the first-born of Israel.
_Chap_. 4. an enumeration of some of the duties of the priests and
Levites.
11. 25 the Lord gave his Spirit unto the seventy elders.
16. 10 seek ye the Priesthood also?
_Chap_. 18. the Lord's charge to Aaron and his sons.
35. 2-8 the cities of refuge the inheritance of the Levites.
_Deut_. 10. 8, 9 Levi had no inheritance with his brethren.
21. 5 the Priesthood of Levi had authority to try all manner of
controversy.
31. 28 go gather all the elders of your tribes.
2 _Chron_. 29. enumerates several duties of the Priesthood.
31. 4-11 tithing to be received by the Aaronic Priesthood.
_Psalm_ 99. 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests.
107. 32 praise him in the assembly of the elders.
132. 9 let thy priests be clothed with righteousness.
_Isa_. 61. 6 ye shall be named the priests of the Lord.
66. 21 I will take of them for priests and Levites, saith the Lord.
_Ezek_. 8. 1 I sat in mine house, and the elders of Israel before me.
45. 4 Levitical Priesthood the ministers of the sanctuary.
_Joel_ 1. 14 gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land.
_Mal_. 2. 4-6 God's covenant with Levi for his righteousness.
3. 3 he shall purify and purge the sons of Levi.
_Phil_. 1. 1 to the Saints, bishops and deacons.
1 _Tim_. 3. 1-13 qualifications and duties of bishops and deacons.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 20. 38-71 the duties of elders, priests, teachers, deacons and
members of the church of Christ.
41. 9 E. Partridge ordained first bishop to the church.
42. 12-14 instructions to elders, priests and teachers.
68. 14, 15 bishops to be high priests, unless literal descendants of
Aaron.
16, 17 the first born held the right of presidency in the Aaronic
Priesthood.
22-24 a bishop can be tried only by the First Presidency of the church.
72. 18-20 N. K. Whitney ordained. Duties of bishops.
84. 18 the Lord confirmed a Priesthood on Aaron and his sons for ever.
107 the lesser Priesthood to go before and prepare the way.
_Sec_. 107. the higher and lesser Priesthoods, their organizations,
the duties pertaining to their various offices, and the lineage of the
Priesthood.
EVANGELISTS OR PATRIARCHS.
In the _History of Joseph Smith_, under date of June 27, 1839, will be
found the following: "An Evangelist is a Patriarch, even the oldest man
of the blood of Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Whenever the Church
of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for
the benefit of the posterity of the Saints, as it was with Jacob in
giving his patriarchal blessing unto his sons," etc.
As the singular number is here used, exclusively, doubtless the Prophet
Joseph, in the above passage, speaks of then Patriarch of the whole
church.
In the _History of Joseph Smith_, under date of September 14, 1840, we
are informed that Joseph Smith, Sen., Patriarch of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at Nauvoo. In a biographical sketch
of him, of the same date, we are informed that he was ordained to this
office, on the eighteenth of December, 1833.
The distinguishing feature between his calling and that of other
patriarchs is, that he was patriarch of the whole church, while others
were ordained patriarchs in the church. Of the latter was John Young,
Sen., who was ordained a patriarch in the church by the Prophet Joseph
Smith, in 1834; _His. of J. Smith, under date of Aug_. 8, 1844.
"It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church,
to ordain evangelical ministers, (or patriarchs), as they shall be
designated unto them by revelation;" _Doc. & Cov_. 107. 39.
"The order of this (patriarchal) Priesthood was confirmed, to be handed
down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants
of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. This order was
instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage;" _verses_
40-57.
From the last quotation it is evident that if a man holds the High
Priesthood, by virtue of that Priesthood he is patriarch over his own
posterity, and as such has a right to bestow upon them patriarchal
blessings.
A little more than four months after the death of the Patriarch, Joseph
Smith, Sen., in a revelation given to his son Joseph, occurs the
following: "That my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood and
Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, _by blessing
and also by right_, that from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the
patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people, that whoever
he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curses shall be cursed;
that whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and
whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven;" _Doc. &
Cov_. 124. 91-93.
From this we learn, that Joseph Smith, Sen., inherited the Patriarchal
Priesthood, by right from the fathers over the house of Israel in this
dispensation. For this right to have descended to him, by lineage,
he must of necessity be an Ephraimite, for Ephraim, by the right of
appointment and ordination by his father Jacob, is the head of Israel.
This fact is plainly stated in the Scriptures: "Now the sons of Reuben
the firstborn of Israel, for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as
he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of
Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after
the birthright;" 1 _Chron_. 5. 1.
Just before his death, in blessing Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob adopted
the sons of Joseph as his own. Said he, "Let my name be named on them,
and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;" _Gen_. 48. 16. For this
reason, these two sons of Joseph, each, had a name as the head of
tribes in Israel, "and he set Ephraim before Manasseh;" _Gen_. 48. 20.
The Lord further declared through his prophet Jeremiah, "I am a father
to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn;" 31. 9.
By virtue of this adoption of Ephraim, as the head of the house of
Israel, and Joseph Smith, Sen., being the oldest son of Ephraim,
holding the Priesthood in this dispensation, he is Patriarch of the
whole church, by right. This right should be perpetuated in his family,
as the oldest branch of the tribe of Ephraim.
If, from any cause, there should be failure of a son to exercise this
right, then the office would be filled from the next eldest branch of
the family.
This has been the case in the short history of the church. When Joseph
and Hyrum were martyred, the latter had no son old enough to fill the
office of patriarch, and John, his eldest living brother, was ordained
to the office vacated by his death.
After the death of father John Smith, the office reverted back to the
family of Hyrum Smith, for his oldest son John had grown to manhood,
and was ordained Patriarch of the whole church.
Bible.
_Gen_. 8. 21, 22 God covenanted with Noah, that he would not again
destroy all flesh.
9. 1 God blessed Noah and his sons, and said, be fruitful and multiply.
24-27 Noah cursed Canaan, and blessed Shem and Japhet.
12. 1-3 the Lord promised Abraham that in his seed all the families of
the earth should be blessed. 26. 4.
7 the land of Canaan promised to Abraham and his seed.
13. 15-17 I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth.
14. 18, 19 Melchisedek took bread and wine and blessed Abraham.
16. 10 the angel said to Hagar, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly.
17. 6 I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 God covenants to be a God to Abraham and his seed.
16 Abraham is promised that Sarah should be a mother of nations.
19 the Lord promised to establish his covenant with Isaac.
20 Ishmael to become a great nation.
22. 17 the seed of Abraham to possess the gate of their enemies.
24. 60 Rebecca to be the mother of thousands of millions.
25. 23 Rebecca is promised that she should be the mother of two nations.
27. 28, 29 Isaac's blessing on his son Jacob.
39, 40 Jacob's blessing on Esau.
28. 1-4 Isaac sends Jacob to Padan-aram and blesses him.
31. 55 Laban kissed and blessed his sons and daughters.
32. 12 Jacob claims the blessings of Abraham and Isaac.
24-29 the Lord wrestles with and blesses Jacob at Peniel.
35. 10-12 the Lord names Jacob Israel, and declares that a company of
nations shall come of him.
46. 2-4 Jacob is promised that he should be made a great nation in
Egypt, and be brought out again.
48. 15-20 Jacob's blessings on the sons of Joseph.
49 1 Jacob called his sons together to bless them.
22-24 Joseph a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the
wall; * * * from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 5. 5 I have attained a land of promise.
2 _Nephi_ 1. 31, 32 the seed of Zoram to be blessed with the seed of
Nephi.
3. 3 Lehi promised Joseph that his seed should not be utterly
destroyed. 25.
5 a righteous branch to be raised up from the loins of Joseph.
24 a mighty man to be raised up among the seed of Joseph the son of
Lehi.
4. 9 the blessing of the children of Laman left on the children of
Lemuel.
_Ether_ 1. 43 none greater than the nation I will make of thee.
2. 7, 15 but they shall come forth to a land of promise choice above
all other lands.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 26. Abraham sought for the blessings of the fathers, and
obtained his right to the office of high priest, which came down to him
through the fathers from Adam.
_See sermon by P. P. Pratt, J. of D., Vol. 1. page 256_.
" _J. Smith, " " 6, " 237_.
" _B. Young, " " 9, " 86, at Mill Creek_.
" _B. Young, " " 9, " 279_.
" _B. Young, Des. News, " 11, " 68_.
" _B. Young, Des. Eve. News, June 2, 1877, at Logan_.
" _B. Young, Mil. Star, Vol. 15, page 493_.
_Article, Mil. Star, Vol. 4, page 1_.
" " " _15, page 486_.
" _J. A. Little, Mil. Star, Vol. 18, page 145_.
" _Geo. Taylor, " " 19, page 796_.
" _C. W. Penrose, " " 29, page 177_.
_O. Spencer's Letters to Rev. Wm. Crowel, No. 9_.
_A pamphlet, Items on Priesthood, by John Taylor_.
_A Pamphlet, Succession in the Priesthood, by John Taylor_.
_History of J. Smith, June 1829_.
" " _April 13, 1833_.
" " _May 2, 1835_.
" " _July 2, 1839_.
" " _April 28, 1842_.
" " _May 1, 1842_.
CHRIST'S FIRST COMING.
The oldest Bible prophecy, of the coming of Christ, is in Jacob's
blessing on Judah: "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a
lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come;" _Gen_. 49. 10.
When Christ was born, the sceptre had not wholly departed from Judah,
for Herod the king, who reigned at the time of his birth, was virtually
king of Judea. Christ was condemned to be crucified by Pontius Pilate,
a Roman governor. The Shiloh had come and the sceptre had entirely
departed, for Judah was under Gentile rule.
The records of three dispensations assert that Christ came to his own,
and they did not receive him; _John_ 1. 11. 3 _Nephi_ 9. 16. _Doc. &
Cov_. 6. 21. He came to his own covenant people, the house of Israel,
and, though they still retained most of the forms of the Mosaic ritual,
they had apostatized from the faith of their fathers, had drank deep
into pagan philosophy, had become wicked and corrupt, and, when the
Shiloh came, they new him not, rejected him, and were the means of his
death.
The numerous prophecies of the first coming of Christ, in both the
Jewish and Nephite records, had a veritable fulfilment in his birth,
life, sufferings, death and resurrection, and furnish overwhelming
testimony of the Divine inspiration of those records. That Jesus Christ
was the same being who called Abraham from his native country, who led
Israel out of the land of Egypt with mighty miracles and wonders, who
made known to them his law amid the thunderings of Sinai, who delivered
them from their enemies, who chastened them for their disobedience, who
inspired their prophets, and whose glory filled Solomon's temple, is
evident from all the inspired writings, and in none more so than in the
Bible.
His lamentation over Jerusalem evidences that, in his humanity, he had
not forgotten his former exalted position: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto
thee, how often _would I have gathered_ thy children together, * * and
ye would not;" _Matt_. 23. 37. It was this creator of the world, this
mighty ruler, this controller of the destinies of the human family,
who, in his last moments, cried out in the agony of his soul, "My God,
my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" _Mark_ 15. 34.
He was the great sacrifice for the world's redemption. It was a
sacrifice worthy of Deity. How grandly, how nobly it was made! It
was made in the meridian of time, and it changed the character of
dispensations. Israel ceased to be a nation, and the Gentile rule was
ushered in, to continue for many long centuries, in which God's chosen
people were to suffer terrible persecutions. We must look at Jesus
Christ in his true character of God and Savior, in order to form a
proper conception of the great sacrifice which has opened, to the human
family, the way to immortality.
Bible.
_Deut._ 18. 15-19 a prophet to be raised up in Israel like unto Moses.
_Psalm_ 22. several prophecies concerning Christ.
69. 20, 21 in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
118. 22, 23 the stone which the builders rejected. 26.
_Isa_. 7. 14 a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.
9. 2 the people that sat in darkness have seen a great light. 6, 7
42. 1 he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 3, 4.
53. 3 he is despised and rejected. 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
_Mic_. 5. 2 of thee shall he come forth that is to be ruler in Israel.
_Zech_. 9. 9 just and lowly and sitting on an ass. 10.
11. 12 so they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
_Acts_ 3. 22, 23 he that will not hear that prophet shall be cut off.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 4, 5 six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem Messiah
should come.
12. 4-4 a great destruction to take place before Christ should appear
to the Nephites.
19. 10 the God of Abraham yieldeth himself up.
11, 12 at his death Christ shall manifest himself to the house of
Israel.
2 _Nephi_ 9. 5 he suffered himself to become subject to men in the
flesh, that all men might be subject to him.
10. 3 expedient that Christ should come among the more wicked part of
the world.
25. 26 we talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, prophesy of Christ, preach
of Christ.
26. 24 he layeth down his life that he may draw all men to him.
_Mos_. 3. 5-10 the Lord came among the children of men, was crucified
and rose from the dead, that a righteous judgment might come on them.
13, 15.
4. 2 Jesus, the Creator of heaven and earth, who shall come among men.
13. 33-35 Moses and all the prophets since the world began, prophesy of
Christ.
15. 1-11 God, himself, shall come down among the children of men.
_Alma_ 39. 18, 19 as necessary that the plan of salvation should be
known before, as well as after the coming of Christ.
_Hel_. 14. 12 Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Creator of heaven and
earth.
3 _Nephi_ 1. 9-14 Christ made known to Nephi, that, on the morrow he
would come into the world.
20. 23 the prophet of whom Moses spake was Jesus Christ.
_Ether_ 3. 16 Christ said to the brother of Jared, as I appear to thee
in the spirit, so will I appear to my people in the flesh.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 20. 26, 27 not only those who believe after he comes, but all
those from the beginning, as well as those who shall come after.
76. 39 who was in the bosom of the Father before the worlds were made.
CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.
Christ's first coming attracted comparatively little attention. He was
born a helpless infant, under very humble circumstances. Through the
ministration of an angel, a few shepherds rejoiced over his advent,
and some wise men, who must have known of, and believed in prophecies
concerning him, visited and made presents to him. They were warned
to leave the country in a private manner, on account of the evil
designs of Herod. He grew up in obscurity, performed his labors in the
ministry, in affliction and persecution and apparently, to men, died
the death of a malefactor.
At his second appearance he will come "With clouds; and every eye shall
see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth
shall wail because of him;" _Rev_. 1, 7. "Behold the Lord cometh with
ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all;" _Jude_ 14,
15. "He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto
the ends of the earth;" _Psalm_ 72. 8. "Yea, all kings shall fall down
before him; all nations shall serve him;" _verse_ 11. "The Son of Man
shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to
meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth;" _Doc. & Cov_.
65. 5.
When will Christ come in his glory and power? This question many
millions of the human family have asked, and the query still remains
unanswered. Jesus said to his disciples, "Be ye therefore ready also:
for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not;" _Luke_ 12. 40.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;" 2 _Pet_.
3. 10. "But the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in
heaven, nor shall they know until he comes;" _Doc. & Cov_. 49. 7.
The Lord has not told us that there shall be no period of time
designated in which he will come, but that neither the day nor the
hour shall be known. Had we a correct chronology we might, perhaps,
approximate very closely to the year, for according to _Sec_. 77. 12,
it will be in the beginning of the seventh thousand years. It will be
a time of destruction for the wicked; "The Lord shall punish the host
of the high ones _that are_ on high, and the kings of the earth upon
the earth;" _Isa_. 24. 21. "The Lord who shall come down upon the world
with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God,
and upon all the ungodly among you;" _Doc. & Cov_. 133. 2.
There will be great commotion and changes in the elements; "The
foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down,
the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth
shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a
cottage; and the transgressions thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it
shall fall, and not rise again;" _Isa_. 24. 18-20.
The fulfilment of the prophecies and the signs of the times indicate
that the coming of the Son of Man is nigh at hand. The Lord through
Joseph, the Seer, also informs us that this is the case. "Not many days
hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken man,
and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light, and
the moon shall be bathed in blood, and the stars shall become exceeding
angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a
fig tree;" _Doc. & Cov_. 88. 87.
Israel requested Moses, when around Mount Horeb, that they might no
more hear the voice of the Lord, nor see his glory, lest they should
die. They had not faith to behold his presence, and the law of carnal
commandments was given them. When they were about to enter into the
land of their inheritance, Moses rehearsed these things to them, and
repeated what the Lord had said to him concerning a future prophet: "I
will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee,
and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all
that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever
will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will
require it of him;" _Deut_. 18. 18, 19. The Book of Mormon informs us
that this prophet was Jesus Christ: "Behold, I am he of whom Moses
spake, saying, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of
your brethren, like unto me;" 3 _Nephi_ 20. 23.
Peter, when he reproved the Jews for killing the "Prince of life,"
repeated this prophecy, rendering the latter part of it a little
plainer: "Every soul, which will not hear that Prophet shall be cut off
from among the people;" _Acts_ 3. 22, 23. It is evident from _verses_
19-21, that the time when those who would not hear that prophet should
be cut off, would be at the time of the restitution of all things, when
he whose right it is shall reign, and the kingdoms of this world shall
become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.
The prophet Joseph says, "I was once praying very earnestly to know the
time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the
following--'Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five
years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man: therefore let
this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.' I was left thus,
without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the
beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether
I should die and thus see his face. I believe the coming of the Son of
Man will not be any sooner than that time;" _Doc. & Cov_. 130. 14-17.
"I have asked of the Lord concerning his coming; and while asking the
Lord, he gave me a sign and said, 'In the days of Noah I set a bow in
the heavens as a sign and token that in any year that the bow should be
seen the Lord would not come; but there should be seed time and harvest
during that year; but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it shall be a
token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among
the nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant.' *
* *
"I also prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that Christ WILL NOT COME
IN FORTY YEARS; and if God ever spoke by my mouth, he will not come in
that length of time. Brethren, when you go home, write this down, that
it may be remembered. * * * Jesus Christ never did reveal to any man
the precise time that he would come;" _His. of J. Smith, March_ 10,
1844.
Bible.
_Job_ 19. 25 he shall stand in the latter day upon the earth.
_Psalm_ 50. 3-5 our God shall come and shall not keep silence.
_Matt_. 16. 27 the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father.
_Chap_. 25. 31-46
_Acts_ 1. 11 this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven.
1 _Thess_. 3. 13 at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his
Saints.
_Heb_. 9. 28 shall he appear the second time, without sin unto
salvation.
1 _Peter_ 4. 13 that when his glory shall be revealed ye may be glad.
1 _John_ 2. 28 and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
3. 2 when he shall appear we shall be like him.
Book of Mormon.
3 _Nephi_ 26. 3 Christ expounded all things from the beginning to the
time he shall come in his glory.
28. 7 the three disciples to remain until Christ come in his glory.
29. 2 ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 33. 17, 18 verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly.
34. 6 preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming.
35. 15 the poor and the meek shall be looking for my coming.
45. 38-44 shall be looking to the coming of the Son of Man.
74, 75 all nations shall be afraid because of the glory of the Lord.
_See Sermon by O. Pratt, J. of D., Vol. 18, page 57_.
" " " " " _15, " 53_.
" " _W. Woodruff, J. of D., Vol. 15, page 275_.
_History of J. Smith, April 6, 1843_.
THE SCATTERING OF ISRAEL.
During the administration of Moses, the Lord promised Israel,
conditionally, many blessings and curses. The former if they were
obedient to his commandments, the latter if they were rebellious.
These promises were, in their nature, prophetic. Evidently, no man,
unless inspired by the Holy Ghost, as was Moses, could have thought of
blessings and curses so varied and comprehensive in their nature, much
less have spoken and recorded them.
The subject of the scattering of Israel is historical, and needs to
be well understood, in order to comprehend the great work of their
gathering in the latter times. A moderate comprehension of the
scattering of Israel requires much careful study of their history in
the Old Testament, and as written by that eminent Jewish historian,
Josephus, a general knowledge of history, and of the many prophecies
yet to be fulfilled concerning them.
If a complete history of the house of Israel were written, it would
be the history of histories, the key of the world's history for the
past twenty centuries. The student is particularly recommended to
study the last chapters of _Deuteronomy_, from the beginning of the
twenty-seventh to the end of the book.
The scattering of the seed of Joseph, among all nations, was
foreshadowed in the blessing of his father, Jacob: "Joseph is a
fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run
over the wall;" _Gen_. 49. 22.
A terrible prophetic picture of the afflictions which the Lord would
heap upon Israel, is drawn by Moses in the twenty-sixth chapter of
_Leviticus_. If persistently disobedient, they were to be scattered
among all nations and suffer great afflictions in the lands of their
enemies.
The prophet Abijah said to the wife of Jeroboam, "The Lord shall smite
Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel
out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall
scatter them beyond the river;" 1 _Kings_ 14. 15. This prophecy was
fulfilled when the ten tribes were carried into captivity by the king
of Assyria 721, B. C.; 2 _Kings_ 17. In the Apocrypha, the prophet
Esdras states that these ten tribes went a year and a half journey into
the north country; 2 _Esdras_ 13. 39-45. That many remained is evident
from _verses_ 48 and 49 of the same chapter.
The great historian of Israel, Josephus, who wrote nearly 800 years
after the captivity of the ten tribes, corroborates this view of the
subject. Speaking of the return of the Jews under Esdras, he says:
"Many of them took their effects with them, and came to Babylon, as
very desirous of going down to Jerusalem, but then the entire body
of the people of Israel remained in that country, wherefore there
are but two tribes in Asia and Europe subject to the Romans, while
the ten tribes are beyond the Euphrates till now, and are an immense
multitude, and not to be estimated by numbers;" _Ant. B_. 11. _C_.
5. Over twenty-six centuries these scattered tribes of Israel, which
Josephus declared, 1800 years ago, were an immense multitude in Asia,
have continued to mix up with the nations of the earth.
The second great scattering of Israel was brought about by the
Babylonish captivity. The Lord said through the prophet Jeremiah, "I
will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon;" 20. 4. There
is an account of the fulfilment of this prophecy in 2 _Kings, chapters_
24 and 25. Jerusalem was desolated and only the poor left to till the
land.
The Jews, like the ten tribes before them, were scattered among the
nations of Asia. In _Ezra, Chap_. 2, we have an account of those who
returned to build the waste places of Judah, but multitudes of them
remained in their scattered condition, as is evident from the book
of Esther. Some nine years after the completion of the term of their
captivity, they were scattered from India to Ethiopia, through the 127
provinces of the Persian empire; 8. 9.
Jeremiah prophesied the entire desolation of Judah; "Judah shall
be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away
captive;" 13. 19. It was nearly 600 years from the consummation of the
Babylonish captivity to the fulfilment of this prophecy, by the final
destruction of the Jews, as a nation, by the Romans, when a remnant of
some 97,000 were sold into slavery in the cities of the Roman empire,
and were scattered wherever the caprice of their masters led them.
During this period, from the Babylonish captivity to the destruction
of Jerusalem, the Jews suffered much from their enemies, and many
thousands were sold into slavery. A few references to Josephus will
assist to comprehend this subject:
_Ant. B_. 11. _C_. 5. Miserable condition of the Jews as represented to
the prophet Nehemiah.
_B_. 11. _C_. 6. Haman said to the king of Persia, "There is a certain
wicked nation (the Jews), and it is dispersed over all the habitable
earth that is under thy dominion."
_B_. 12. _C_. 1. The first Ptolemy took a great many captives in Judea
and carried them into Egypt.
_B_. 12. _C_. 2. The second Ptolemy liberated 120,000 Jews who where in
bondage in Egypt.
_B_. 12. _C_. 3. Antiochus set free all the Jews who had been carried
captive.
_B_. 12. _C_. 4. The Samaritans were in a flourishing condition, and
much distressed the Jews, cutting off parts of their land, and carrying
off slaves.
_B_. 12. _C_. 5. The daily sacrifice was taken away, and 10,000 Jews
carried captive.
_B_. 14. _C_. 7. The Jews were scattered over the habitable earth.
Cassius, the Roman general, carried 30,000 Jews captive.
_B_. 14. _C_. 11. Four Jewish cities sold into slavery for taxes.
_B_. 15. _C_. 3. Not a few ten thousands of Jews that dwelt about
Babylonia.
_B_. 16. _C_. 2. A great multitude of Jews dwelt in the cities of Ionia.
_B_. 16. _C_. 6. The cities of Asia and Lybia ill-treated the Jews. The
northern part of Africa was then called Lybia.
These references to Josephus, and their contexts, well considered, will
greatly assist the student in forming a proper idea of the scattered
condition of the Jews about the commencement of the Christian era.
We have no knowledge of the location or condition of that part of the
ten tribes who went into the north country.
B. C. 600, a colony left Jerusalem, under one Lehi, to people the
western hemisphere. Eleven years after, it was followed by another
under the direction of Mulek. Their descendants have scattered over the
American continent from Cape Horn to the Arctic Sea.
This branch of the house of Israel may truly be said to be scattered
over half the globe. The Book of Mormon, and the monumental ruins they
have left on the land, give us all the information we have of them down
to the year 1492, A. D., when Christopher Columbus discovered America.
Since that time, their history forms a part of the general history
of the continent, which is a record of the fulfilment of many of the
prophecies, in the Bible and Book of Mormon, concerning the scattering
of Israel.
Bible.
_Deut_. 28. 37 thou shalt become a proverb and a by-word.
64 Israel to be scattered from one end of the earth even unto the
other. _Chap_. 32. 26.
_Psalm_ 106. 27 to overthrow their seed also among the nations.
_Isa_. 5. 13 my people have gone into captivity.
10. 3 what will ye do in the day of visitation?
32. 14 the multitude of the city shall be left.
42. 24 who gave Jacob for a spoil and Israel to the robbers.
64. 10 Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
_Jer_. 5. 15-18 I will bring a nation upon you from afar. _Deut_. 28.
49-57.
6. 8-12 their houses, fields and wives shall be turned to others. 7. 15
and I will cast you out of my sight.
8. 3 which remain in all the places whither I have driven them.
9. 11 I will make the cities of Judah desolate. 16.
10. 22 to make the cities of Judah desolate. 25.
15. 4 I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth.
34. 17 to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
_Ezek_. 20. 23 I would disperse them through the countries. _Chap_. 22.
15. _Chap_. 34. 6. _Chap_. 36. 19.
_Hos_. 7. 8. Ephraim hath mixed himself among the people.
_Joel_ 3. 2 the Lord will plead with all nations who have scattered his
people.
_Amos_ 7. 17 Israel shall surely go into captivity.
9. 9 I will sift the house of Israel among all nations.
_Mic_. 3. 12 Zion shall be ploughed as a field.
_Zach_. 7. 14 I scattered them with a whirlwind among all nations.
10. 9 I will sow them among the people.
_Matt_. 23. 38 your house is left unto you desolate. _Luke_ 13. 35.
_James_ 1. 1 to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 12-14 the house of Israel to be scattered over all the
face of the earth. _Chap_. 14. 14. _Chap_. 22. 3.
13. 14 the seed of the brethren of Nephi to be scattered and smitten of
the Gentiles.
39 other books to come forth to the convincing of the Jews who were
scattered over the face of the whole earth.
19. 14 they shall wander in the flesh, and perish, and become a hiss
and a by-word.
22. 4 the more part of all the tribes have been led away and are
scattered, to and fro, on the isles of the sea.
5 the Jews to be scattered among all nations, because they hardened
their hearts against the Holy One of Israel. 2 _Nephi_ 10. 5, 6, 22.
7 the Lord shall raise up a mighty nation in this land, and by them
shall our seed be scattered.
2 _Nephi_ 6. 8 the Lord showed Jacob that those at Jerusalem had been
slain and scattered. 11.
25. 14, 15 the final destruction of Jerusalem foretold.
16 the Jews to be scourged until they believe in the Messiah.
_Hel_. 15. 12 the Lamanites to be hunted, and smitten, and scattered.
3 _Nephi_ 10. 7 the places of your dwellings shall become desolate,
until the time of the fulfilling of the covenant to your fathers.
16. 4 the remnant of their seed who shall be scattered on the face of
the earth.
20. 27 which blessings upon the Gentiles shall make them mighty, unto
the scattering of my people. _Mormon_ 5. 9, 20.
_Mormon_ 5. 15 this people shall be scattered and become dark.
_Ether_ 13. 11 they are they who were scattered and gathered from the
four quarters of the earth, and from the north country.
GATHERING OF ISRAEL.
It will appear to the most casual reader, that the Gathering of Israel
is predicated on its having been scattered. That part of the subject
needs to be well studied, to obtain a proper conception of the great
work of gathering in the latter times.
As general as was the scattering of Israel so must the gathering be. If
the dispersion was over all the earth, and among all nations, so the
gathering must be out of all nations, and from all parts of the earth.
When we reflect that it is thirty-two centuries since the enemies
of Israel began to oppress them in the land of Canaan, that about
one-third of the time they were a people in that land, they were,
more or less, in bondage to their enemies; that seven hundred years
before the coming of Christ the ten tribes were scattered throughout
western Asia; that we have no record that any have as yet returned to
the land of their inheritance; that nearly 600 years before Christ
the Babylonish captivity took place, and that, according to the Book
of Esther only a part of the Jews ever returned, but were scattered
through the 127 provinces of the Persian empire; that Asia was the
hive from which swarmed the nomadic tribes who overran Europe; that
at the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans the Jews were scattered
over the known world; we may well ask the question, Does not Israel
to-day constitute a large proportion of the human family? With this
comprehensive view of the subject of the scattering, we the better
understand such passages as the following, "I will gather the remnant
of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them;" _Jer_.
23. 3. "Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they
shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they
shall be brought out of obscurity, and out of darkness;" 1 _Nephi_ 22.
12.
Our Savior had a clear conception of the magnitude of this gathering
when he said, "He shall send his angels with a great sound of a
trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds,
from one end of heaven to the other;" _Matt_. 24. 31.
"And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times
of the Gentiles be fulfilled;" _Luke_ 21. 24. That is until the Gentile
rule shall wane before the growing power of Israel, when, "Israel shall
be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation;" _Isa_. 45. 17.
When "They shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they
shall rule over their oppressors;" 14. 2.
Then will the promise made to Abraham be fully realized by his
children, "And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;" _Gen_.
22. 17. Then will Abraham be the heir of the world, "Through the
righteousness of faith;" _Rom_ 4. 13.
It is evident from the Book of Mormon, that the Jews, as well as
other portions of the house of Israel, will believe in Jesus Christ
and accept the Gospel, before they are gathered to the land of their
inheritance.
The first Nephi, about 600 years before the final dispersion of the
Jews, recorded the following very comprehensive prophecy about their
gathering: "And after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath
scourged them by other nations, for the space of many generations, yea,
even down from generation to generation, until they shall be persuaded
to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is
infinite for all mankind; and when that day shall come, that they shall
believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts
and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah,
then, at that time. The day will come that it must needs be expedient
that they should believe these things, and the Lord will set his hand
again the second time to restore his people from their lost and fallen
state. Wherefore, he will proceed to do a marvellous work and a wonder
among the children of men;" 2 _Nephi_ 25. 15, 16, 17.
Bible.
_Deut_. 30. 3 Lord will gather Israel from all nations whither he has
scattered them.
_Neh_. 1. 9 the Lord will gather those that are scattered from the
uttermost part of heaven.
_Psalm_ 50. 5 gather my Saints together who have made a covenant with
me by sacrifice.
_Isa_. 2. 2 in the last days the mountain of the Lord's house shall be
established in the tops of the mountains.
5. 26, 27 he will lift up an ensign to the nations.
10. 20, 22 the remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob.
11. 11-16 set his hand the second time to recover the remnant.
18. 1-3 see ye when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains.
27. 12, 13 ye shall be gathered one by one.
29. 22, 23 Jacob shall not now be ashamed.
35. 10 the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion.
40. 2 speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem. 9, 11.
43. 5, 6 I will bring thy seed from the east.
9 let all nations be gathered together, let the people be assembled.
49. 12 these shall come from far, from the north and from the west.
22 lift up my hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the
people.
23 kings shall be thy nursing fathers.
51. 3 the Lord will comfort Zion.
11 the redeemed of the Lord shall return.
52. 9-12 the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
54. 7 with great mercies will I gather thee.
56. 1-8 the stranger that keepeth his hand from doing evil, will the
Lord gather with the outcasts of Israel.
60. 3 the Gentiles shall come to thy light.
4 thy sons shall come from far. 5, 6, 10, 16.
61. 4 they shall repair the desolations of many generations.
62. 7 till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
66. 20 they shall bring your brethren out of all nations.
_Jer_. 3. 14 take one of a city and two of a family.
17 all nations shall be gathered to Jerusalem.
18 the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel.
16. 14-16 it shall no more be said, the Lord liveth that brought up the
children of Israel out of Egypt. I will send for many fishers.
23. 8 Lord liveth which led the children of Israel out of the north
country.
25. 34 the days of your dispersions are accomplished.
30. 3 I will bring again the captivity of my people. 10, 18.
31. 8-14 I will bring them from the north country and gather them from
the coasts of the south. They shall come with weeping.
32. 37-44 I will give them one heart, I will make an everlasting
covenant with them.
33. 9 Israel shall be an honor to me before all the nations of the
earth. 14, 16.
50. 4, 5 they shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward.
_Ezek_. 11. 17 I will assemble you out of the countries.
20. 34-42 in my holy mountain shall the house of Israel serve me.
28. 25 when I shall be sanctified in Israel, in the sight of the
heathen.
34. 11-31 Lord will deliver his sheep out of all places where they have
been scattered in a cloudy and dark day.
37. 21-28 Israel shall be one nation, and one king shall reign over
them.
_Joel_ 2. 15, 16 blow ye the trumpet in Zion, gather the people.
_Zeph_. 3. 19, 20 I will make you a praise among all people.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 14 the house of Israel to be gathered in.
19. 15-17 then will he remember the isles of the sea.
2 _Nephi_ 6. 11 when the Jews shall come to a knowledge of their
Redeemer, they shall be gathered again to the lands of their
inheritance.
9. 2 when they shall be restored to the true church, they shall be
established in their lands of promise.
10. 7 when they believe that I am Christ, I have covenanted with their
fathers that they shall be restored to the lands of their inheritance.
30. 7 8 the Jews shall begin to believe in Christ, and to gather.
_Jacob_ 6. 2 he shall set his hand the second time to recover his
people.
3 _Nephi_ 5. 26 then shall they know their Redeemer, and be gathered
from the four quarters of the earth.
20. 29-33 the Jews shall believe in Jesus Christ, then will the Father
gather them together again.
21. 1 a sign that I will gather in my people from their long dispersion.
26-28 at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the
dispersed of my people.
_Mormon_ 5. 14 the record of the Nephites to go to the Jews, that they
may believe in Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 29. 7, 8 be gathered in one place, and be prepared against the
day of tribulation.
42. 36 be gathered in one when I shall come to my temple.
45. 17 day of redemption shall come, and the restoration of scattered
Israel.
25 but shall remain until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
43 and the remnant shall be gathered unto this place.
69 there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation.
57. 1, 2 the land of Missouri consecrated for the gathering of the
Saints.
58. 56 let the work of the gathering not be in haste.
63. 36 I will that my Saints should be assembled upon the land of Zion.
101. 13 and they that have been scattered shall be gathered.
20-22 the Lord will appoint the places for the gathering of his Saints.
64-69 must gather my people, according to the parable of the wheat and
tares.
105. 24 boast not of faith or mighty works, but carefully gather
together.
110. 11 Moses delivered the keys of the gathering of Israel.
125. 2 let them gather to places I shall appoint, by my servant Joseph.
133. 7 go ye out from Babylon, gather ye out from the nations.
_See Sermon by J. Smith, J. of D., Vol. 6, page 237_.
" " _B. Young, " " 2, " 266_.
" " " " " _12, " 161_.
" " " " " _12, " 226_.
" " _J. Taylor, " " 19, " 150_.
" " _O. Pratt, " " 18, " 16_.
" " _G. Q. Cannon," " 15, " 202_.
_O. Spencer's Letters to Rev, Wm. Crowel, No. 10_.
_Article, Mil. Star, Vol. 4, pages 161 and 177_.
" " " _22, " 321, 339, 362, 379_.
" _by J. J., Mil. Star, Vol. 33, pages 209, 294, 325, 449_.
" _by D. McK., Mil. Star, Vol. 38, page 296_.
_History of J. Smith, April 21, 1834_.
BOOK OF MORMON--EVIDENCES OF ITS DIVINE AUTHENTICITY.
In order that the predictions of the ancient prophets might be
fulfilled, it was necessary that a book should be brought forth to the
world which should be a record of truth. This book must also come forth
from the earth.
The prophet Enoch, according to Bible chronology, lived 969 years
before the flood.
On a certain occasion, the Lord made known to him many things that
should transpire a short period before his latter-day coming. He said,
"Great tribulation shall be among the children of men, but my people
will I preserve; and righteousness will I send down out of heaven;
and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of
mine Only Begotten; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep
the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine own elect from the four
quarters of the earth." _P. of G. P., page_ 21.
The Book of Mormon, in every particular, fulfils this very ancient
prediction of Enoch's. It is a record of truth; it was brought forth
from the earth; it bears testimony of the Only Begotten Son of God;
of his birth, death, resurrection, teachings, and ministrations among
the Nephites. Righteousness has been sent down out of heaven by the
restoration of the Priesthood, with all its authority, ordinances, and
blessings, through which, alone, righteousness can be made manifest.
The latter-day gathering of Israel has been inaugurated, and
righteousness, and truth are sweeping the earth as with a flood, and
gathering the elect from the four quarters of the earth.
This wonderful prophecy of Enoch's was reiterated by prophets who lived
many centuries after him. The Psalmist David, who lived until 1015 B.
C., mentions this event in connection with the latter days: "Truth
shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from
heaven;" _Psalms_ 85. 11.
The prophet Isaiah, also, saw in prophetic vision these great events of
the latter days, when he said: "Let the skies pour down righteousness;
let the earth open and let them"--that is, the earth and the skies
together--"bring forth salvation;" 45. 8.
According to the twenty-ninth chapter of _Isaiah_. there was to be a
people who like Ariel, or Jerusalem, were to be brought down and they
should speak out of the ground, their speech was to be low out of the
dust.
The predictions in _verses_ 1-6 of this chapter have been fulfilled
in every particular, in the history of the Nephites and in the coming
forth of their record, the Book of Mormon.
For an account of the fulfilment of many of the predictions in this
chapter, see _P. of G. P., pages_ 49-54.
Ezekiel's prophecy, in _chapter_ 37, _verses_ 16-20, concerning the
sticks of Judah and Joseph, is literally fulfilled in this generation.
The most of the Latter-day Saints are of the tribe of Ephraim, the son
of Joseph. There can be but one conclusion with regard to the Bible,
and that is, that it is the stick of Judah referred to by Ezekiel.
The stick or record of Joseph, is fitly represented by the Book of
Mormon, which is a record of the Nephites, who are descendants of
Joseph who was sold into Egypt. They are both, to-day, in the hands of
Ephraim.
A very good explanation of this subject is contained in 2 _Nephi,
chapter_ 3. Lehi was rehearsing to his son Joseph, some important
promises which the Lord made to their father, Joseph, who was sold into
Egypt. The special promise to which we refer is in the twelfth verse.
"Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the
loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the
fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit
of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of
false doctrines, and laying down of contentions, and establishing
peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge
of their fathers in the latter-days; and also to the knowledge of my
covenants, saith the Lord."
The following from the writings of O. Pratt, is very appropriate to
this subject.
"If the historical parts of the Book of Mormon be compared with
what little is known from other sources, concerning the history of
ancient America, there will be found much evidence to substantiate its
truth; but there cannot be found one truth among all the gleanings of
antiquity that clashes with the historical truths of the Book of Mormon.
"If the prophetical part of this wonderful book be compared with
the prophetical declarations of the Bible, there will be found much
evidence in the latter to establish the truth of the former. But though
there are many predictions in the Book of Mormon, relating to the great
events of the last days, which the Bible gives us no information about,
yet there is nothing in the predictions of the Bible that contradicts
in the least, the predictions of the Book of Mormon.
"If the doctrinal part of the Book of Mormon be compared with the
doctrines of the Bible, there will be found the same perfect harmony
which we find on the comparison of the prophetical parts of the two
books. Although there are many points of the doctrine of Christ that
are far more plain and definite in the Book of Mormon than in the
Bible, and many things revealed in relation to doctrine that never
could be fully learned from the Bible, yet there are not any items of
doctrine in the two sacred books that contradict each other, or clash
in the least.
"If the various books which enter into the collection, called the Book
of Mormon, be carefully compared with each other, there will be found
nothing contradictory in history, in prophecy, or in doctrine.
"If the miracles of the Book of Mormon be compared with the miracles of
the Bible, there cannot be found in the former anything that would be
more difficult to believe, than what we find in the latter.
"If we compare the historical, prophetical, and doctrinal parts of
the Book of Mormon, with the great truths of science and nature, we
find no contradictions--no absurdities--nothing unreasonable. The most
perfect harmony, therefore, exists between the great truths revealed
in the Book of Mormon, and all other known truths, whether religious,
historical, or scientific." _Divine Authenticity of B. of M., page_ 56.
A person educated in the doctrines and traditions of modern
Christianity, could not have written the Book of Mormon, for many of
its important doctrines do not agree with those of the Christian sects.
They do not believe in the ministry of angels, in miracles, in signs,
in dreams and in visions. The book had its origin in those things, much
of it is made up of an account of them.
Lehi, the most prominent patriarch of the aboriginal American race, was
warned by an angel that Jerusalem would be destroyed; 1 _Nephi_ 1. 11,
13. That he might not be destroyed with it, the Lord warned him in a
dream to take his family and depart into the wilderness; 2. 2. In the
nineteenth verse of this last chapter, the Lord spake to Nephi, and
blessed him on account of his great faith.
Nephi, who wrote the first two books of the Book of Mormon, had
wonderful visions and manifestations. An infidel, or deist, having no
faith in manifestations from God, could not have written the book;
equally impossible that it could have been written by a sectarian
Christian.
Was the Book of Mormon written for a romance? It would spoil the
interest of a work of fiction, for the writer to commence it with a
sketch of the plan of his story. Yet the two books of Nephi, which
commence the Book of Mormon, are a very plain, prophetic sketch of the
then future history of the people of America.
Besides, what writer of fiction could expect to interest the literary
world of the nineteenth century, with an account of the organization
of a church, on the American continent, exactly after the pattern of
the primitive church in Asia, with advocating baptism by immersion for
the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of
hands, and with an almost verbatim repetition of Christ's sermon on the
Mount. Such a fiction would be wanting in all the elements of modern
romance.
Skeptics, Christian divines, and writers of romance are not the men to
stake their reputation on the enunciation of such principles as the
following: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he
that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned." "Harlotry is
the most abominable of all sins in the sight of God, except it be the
sin against the Holy Ghost." In fact, it is the teaching of such pure
principles in the Book of Mormon that makes it so very unpopular with a
large portion of mankind.
The Book of Mormon, as a whole, must be either true or false. If false,
the Bible is equally so, for there is no antagonism between the two.
The former states that it and the Bible shall grow together for the
confounding of false doctrine in the latter times. The writer of a book
of errors would hardly have staked his reputation on the fact that his
book was an evidence of the truth of the Bible, and _vice versa_. That
one is a witness of the truth of the other is readily evident to any
one who will honestly compare them.
Written by different authors, under very different circumstances, and
on opposite sides of the globe, such perfect concordance would have
been impossible, unless the authors had all been actuated by the same
Spirit of divine inspiration.
The admission is general that the Bible was written and compiled on the
Eastern hemisphere, and, more or less continuously through a period
of some 1500 years. The fact is generally recognized that the Book of
Mormon was written on the Western hemisphere, and by those who had
nothing to do in getting up the Bible.
The chain of history it has recorded; the principles it teaches; its
anomalous style as a literary production, and its truthfulness as a
prophetic record, are all against its being a production of modern
times.
As an ancient record, it contains many predictions of prophets and
seers which have been realized, and many others which are now having
a remarkable fulfilment. It has these facts in favor of its divine
origin, as well as the Bible.
Not the least remarkable of its prophecies are those declaring how it
should be written, and why. How it should be hid up in the earth for
many generations, and how it should come forth in the latter times;
every particular of which has been realized.
Bible.
_Isa_. 29. 10-12 the vision of all is become as the words of a book.
13, 14 and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men.
18 in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book.
43. 19 I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth.
_Ezek_. 37, 15-28 the sticks of Judah and Ephraim.
_Hos_. 8. 12 I have written to him the great things of my law.
_Hab_. 1. 5 I will work a work in your days which you will not believe.
2. 3 for the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it
shall speak.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 3. 16-20 the records of the Book of Mormon preserved, that the
promises of the Lord might be fulfilled.
5. 11-15 the testimony of three witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
10. 1-52 concerning that portion of the Book of Mormon which Martin
Harris had permitted to pass into the hands of wicked men.
20. 8 gave him power from on high to translate the Book of Mormon.
9-16 the purposes of God in bringing forth the Book of Mormon.
24. 1 thou wast called and chosen to write the Book of Mormon
27. 5 and with Moroni, whom I have sent to reveal the Book of Mormon.
33. 16 Book of Mormon and Holy Scriptures given for instruction.
42. 12 elders to teach the principles contained in the Bible and Book
of Mormon.
124. 119 unless he be a believer in the Book of Mormon and the
revelations.
135. 3 J. Smith, Jun., brought forth the Book of Mormon by the power of
God.
6 Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants cost the best blood of the
nineteenth century.
Pearl of Great Price.
44-57 an account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in
fulfilment of prophecy.
_See Sermon by O. Pratt, J. of D., Vol. 15, page 178_.
" " " " " _16, " 209_.
_A series of six pamphlets, by O. Pratt, on the Divine Authenticity of
the Book of Mormon_.
_Public Discussion between J. Taylor and Rev'ds C. W. Cleeve, James
Robertson and Phillip Cater_.
_An account of several remarkable visions, by O. Pratt_.
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN., AS A FULFILLER OF BIBLE PROPHECIES.
The mission of Joseph Smith, Jun., is the key of the dispensation of
the fulness of times. If he was not sent of God, the pretentions of the
Latter-day Saints to be the true Gospel church are without foundation,
and their labors for the redemption of the world must prove a failure.
If, in his life's labors, and their results, the predictions of the
ancient prophets are being fulfilled, it should be satisfactory
evidence of the divinity of his mission. For unless a man have the
spirit of the prophets, he can neither understand their predictions,
nor the nature of the events that would fulfil them.
John, the Revelator, in his vision of the latter times, saw another
"Angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and
kindred, and tongue;" _Rev_. 14. 6.
On page 49, _P. of G. P_., Joseph Smith, Jun., states that a glorious
personage appeared to him and said that his name was Moroni. This
angel told Mr. Smith one thing concerning his own future, that, since
that time, 1823, has had a remarkable fulfilment. This was that his
name "should be had for good or evil among all nations, kindreds and
tongues."
He also informed him that there was a record on gold plates, deposited
in the earth, which gave an account of the ancient inhabitants of this
continent, and of the source from which they sprang.
A book containing such information, as the angel said, was engraven on
the plates, was produced by Mr. Smith, with competent witnesses
Showing first 200,000 characters. Full text: gutenberg.org/ebooks/49434